The ‘Great British Brushathon’ and National Smile Month - Dentist Surrey

From the 16^th May to 16^th June this year, we have seen National Smile Month raising awareness of important oral health issues with the theme ‘Everyone deserves a healthy smile’. So, what is National Smile Month? And why is it so important?

National Smile Month

It’s a charity campaign, organised by The Oral Health Foundation, which aims to promote the benefits of good oral health. This year’s focus is that everybody deserves good oral health.

Despite enormous advances in knowledge and services for oral health care over the past 40 years, there are sadly still inequalities between groups in society. Particularly in the elderly, those on lower incomes, people with learning difficulties, physical or mental disabilities, and the homeless, who seem more prone to suffer from chronic ill-health.

National Smile Month aims to raise awareness of these inequalities and to raise money to help alleviate them. These inequalities are often preventable, and oral health issues, if left untreated, can lead to worse overall health problems down the line. Tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, extractions, and mouth cancer are all issues the campaign wants to raise awareness about. Particularly as gum disease has been linked to illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

There are several ways to help the campaign. These involve school visits, taking smiley selfies, and even sending letters to the tooth fairy. All the ways to get involved are on their website and the charity also accepts donations, which can be made online here. Their important work also includes providing mouth cancer advice, raising awareness of signs to watch out for, providing children with toothbrushes, and teaching them how to look after their teeth from an early age.

Wednesday 15^th June – ‘The Great British Brushathon’

As part of National Smile Month, the ‘Brushathon’ will connect people from around the world in one giant, communal brushing event. It’s very simple, and all you need to do is take a picture or video of you brushing your teeth and post it on social media.

Brushing teeth is often seen as a personal activity but by sharing your selfie or video of yourself brushing, you are encourageing others to do the same, as well as highlighting the importance of brushing your teeth every day and having a healthy smile. The Oral Health Foundation will be giving shout-outs to their favourite clips or photos throughout the day, so remember to use the hashtag #GreatBritishBrushathon.

Top Brushing Tips

• Brush teeth twice a day and for at least 2 minutes each time
• Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
• Try to angle your toothbrush towards your gum line at a 45-degree angle for the most efficient clean
• Spit your toothpaste out instead of rinsing, as the fluoride in your toothpaste will help to protect your teeth throughout the day if it’s not washed away
• Don’t brush immediately after eating acidic food and drinks as it can strip your enamel. The teeth are under acid attack already and you should wait at least 15 mins before brushing, so the saliva has time to neutralise the acid
• If your bristles become frayed, discoloured, bent, or dirty looking, it’s time to replace your brush
• Keep your brush in the open air, rather than the bathroom cabinet, as this stops mould or bacteria from growing on a wet brush
• Use circular motions, rather than a back-and-forth motion
• Don’t forget to brush your gum line – this area is often missed when brushing and it’s a popular place for bacteria to grow. The brush bristles need to get under the gum line a millimetre or two
• Brush your tongue too – that gets rid of bacteria
• Try an electric toothbrush

Dental Helpline

As well as creating oral health awareness, the Oral Health Foundation offer a dental helpline that gives free advice on any oral health issue. Calls cost a local call rate, and the team is available on 01788 539780.

If you would like to make an appointment at any of our Sync Dental Centres, our friendly team are on hand to listen to any dental needs you may have and to book you an appointment.