National Smile Month celebrates 40th Birthday

May 4, 2016

With May now upon us, National Smile Month is almost here. This year it’s a particularly big deal as the focus month celebrates it’s 40th birthday.

Running from 16th May until 16th June, National Smile Month is a campaign which aims to increase awareness of oral health issues, and in doing so it hopes to improve the well-being of thousands of people. There are three key messages which underpin the campaign:

• Brush your teeth twice a day: once last thing at night and at least one other time during the day. Use a fluoride toothpaste.
• Reduce the amount of sugary food and drinks you consume.
• Keep up your regular dental check-ups. Visit as often as they recommend.

Organisations and individuals are invited to get involved, with dental and healthcare professionals leading the way. And if 2015 is anything to go by, 2016 is going to be a great year. Last year over 4000 organisations registered their interest in taking part in the campaign, and over 50 million people were reached by the work and promotion of oral health care that took place. For the 40th anniversary year the Oral Health Foundation, who champion the campaign, hope that even more schools, youth groups, community organisations and workplaces will take part.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, said of this year’s campaign:

“This is a special year for National Smile Month as we proudly celebrate our 40th birthday. For the past four decades, with your help, we have been campaigning to change the course of oral health….We can look back on the last 40 years since the very first campaign and see how it has coincided with some of the major oral health improvements in the UK.”

This year, National Smile Month is also being supported by some big-name brands: Wrigley’s Extra, Oral-B, Polo and Philips Sonicare have all pledged their support. So how can you get involved? Your first step is to register on the National Smile Month website: www.smilemonth.org/register This is quick and easy to do (as well as free) and means you will receive your registration pack. This pack has everything you need to get involved whether you are planning an event, sharing information, or hoping to fundraise. The website also has lots of further information about National Smile Month, ideas for activities, and access to the online shop. Once you’ve got a plan in place, share your #MySmileySelfie on social media with details of how you’re supporting the campaign.

National Smile Month is a great opportunity to raise awareness about oral health and to remind those around you of the importance of maintaining good routines. Why not register today and support those at your school, workplace or community group to prioritise their oral health?