Every year the Oral Health Foundation launches it’s National Smile Month campaign. As the largest and longest running oral health campaign, it aims to promote excellent oral health. Through education and public involvement, the campaign aims to achieve better physical and metal wellbeing by improving oral health.
The three key lessons National Smile Month aims to promote are to:
- Always brush your teeth two times daily.
- Reduce your diet’s sugar intake.
- Attend regular dentist appointments.
In 2019, National Smile Month will be held between 13th May and 13th June. As our way of helping, here are our top recommendations for maintaining a healthy smile:
Create a Dental Care Routine
Despite how busy you may be, there should always be time for a proper dental care routine check-up. Your teeth should be brushed twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. This includes brushing once at the end of the night and another time during the day.
To remove stubborn food debris, floss your gums inbetween your teeth to avoid a build-up of plaque. After meals, follow up with mouth wash for fresh smelling breath throughout the day.
Balance Your Diet
Excessive intake of high fats, sugar and alcohol can cause tooth decay. Drinking fizzy pop and smoothies should be limited too. It is advised to only have one glass (150ml) of smoothie per day, because when blended the fruit’s natural sugars are released from their structure they become damaging to your teeth.
Teach Your Child Dental Hygiene
Baby teeth should be brushed just before they begin to peak through. This helps a child get used to brushing their teeth and encourages them to care for their dental hygiene growing up.
For babies and toddles below 3 years of age require only a smear of toothpaste. Between the ages of 3 to 6 years, it can be increased to a pea sized amount. As they grow, guide your child’s hand so they can learn the correct movement when brushing their teeth. When a child is independent enough to do it themselves, they should still be supervised.
Look After Your Braces
Traditional braces can make it easier for food to get trapped inbetween your teeth, thereby lowering your oral hygiene. Therefore, to keep your mouth healthy you should be caring for your braces throughout the day.
Sticky, hard and chewy foods are likely to get stuck in your braces and damage them. Therefore, it is advised to avoid these difficult foods. When brushing, move all removable parts of your orthodontic brace, then aim your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to clean between the wires and pins. Take your time to ensure debris is removed and your braces are safe. For further cleaning, flossing threaders are available, designed specifically for those with braces.
Booking Your Dentist Appointment
At Dulwich Orthodontics we provide specialist orthodontic treatments to the entire family. We offer the latest in braces and appliances, including invisible braces. We aim to provide safety and comfort during your appointment and the best care possible.
To maintain a healthy smile, visit our practice for your routine check-up.