In its simplest form, National Smile Month promotes three key messages for great oral health:
More than 3,500 hospitals, dental practices and other healthcare organisations in the United Kingdom have pledged their support for National Smile Month, which will reach in excess of half a million patients over the campaign period.
Throughout the month there will be around 1,500 dedicated oral health events and activities throughout the country, many of which will happen in local communities and some of the UK’s poorest regions.
National Smile Month has the backing of some of the nation’s biggest household names including platinum sponsors Oral-B, Invisalign and Wrigley. The charity campaign is also supported by Philips, Denplan and Tepe.
The importance of good oral health habits at an early age is illustrated by the level of childhood tooth decay in the United Kingdom. A recent report by the Health & Social Care Information Centre identified 12 per cent of three-year-olds suffer from visible tooth decay, with more than one in four (27 per cent) five-year-olds suffering with the same problem.
Further research has demonstrated that one in three 12-year-olds and less than half (46 per cent) of 15-year-olds show signs of obvious dental decay, highlighting the need for early intervention.
To find out more visit National Smile Month.