Now here’s a reason to smile…. it is officially National Smile Month!

National Smile Month is our annual campaign dedicated to promoting good oral health. Over the next month, we want to engage as many people as possible, to help them understand the true worth of their smile and the importance of keeping a healthy mouth.

We really believe that healthy mouth is the first step towards a healthy body and the messages around National Smile Month are all around exactly that.

If you are passionate about promoting good oral health then National Smile Month is perfect for you.

To help you along the way, here are five National Smile Month activities you really should give a go. Our team at the Oral Health Foundation, along with thousands of others supporting the campaign, will be doing exactly the same...

Review your oral health routine

Whether you think your oral health is in a good place or not, National Smile Month is the perfect opportunity to reassess your oral health routine.

Make sure you are brushing your teeth last thing at night and at one other time during the day with a fluoride toothpaste, and interdentally cleaning once a day. Cut down on how much and how often you have sugary foods and drinks, and visit the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.

These few things are so easy, but it’s easy to get complacent. National Smile Month is a timely reminder to carry out these effective steps to great oral health.

Learn more about caring for your teeth.

Take a Smiley selfie

Our Smiley is the symbol for National Smile Month. It’s a really fun way to participate in the campaign and engage others in oral hygiene.

Take a Smiley photo and post it online with a positive oral health message.

You can also pass on a Smiley to your family, friends and colleagues. They have some great oral health tips on the back so they are as educational as they are fun!

I even did one myself….

Today is the start of National Smile Month - creating happier and healthier smiles #oralhealth #smile pic.twitter.com/AwufmzgODV

— David Arnold (@TheDavidJArnold) May 14, 2018

You can pick up your Smileys here, from our online shop.

Track your sugar

Contrary to belief, nobody is born with a ‘sweet tooth’, but many develop one over time. Most people (myself included) crave the odd sweet treat but it is important not to allow this hankering to become a common occurrence.

Keeping sweet foods and drinks to mealtimes is perfect, as well as making sure the amount is of a sensible portion. Moderation really is key.

Added sugars should take up no more than 5% of your daily calorie intake (about 30g). Use National Smile Month as an opportunity to track your sugar consumption – you may be surprised about what you discover.

If you do find that you are having too much sugar too often, then you will be in a better position to understand what and when you should be cutting down.

Nominate a Smile

Do you have somebody in your life that puts a smile on your face?  That one person who has a positive effect on everybody they meet?  Maybe somebody with a smile that lights up the room?

For National Smile Month we want you to Nominate a Smile.

All you have to do is send us a photograph of the person you would like to nominate, along with why you have chosen them. Send your entry into [email protected].

Every week of National Smile Month we award one winner with a special prize.

Find out more about Nominate a Smile.  

Take part in our competition

A daily routine is so important when it comes to developing and maintaining a healthy smile.  Twice daily brushing and regular interdental cleaning can help you keep teeth and gums clean and healthy, helping you to prevent ill-health as well as making you feel great too. 

That’s exactly why we’re delighted to join up with Curaprox during National Smile Month to giveaway some great prizes which will be sure to put a smile on your face. 

Three couple can win a year’s supply of Curaprox toothbrushes and interdental brushes.

All you have to do is fill out your details and answer the question ‘on average, how many toothbrushes would a person expect to use during their lifetime?

I’ll give you a clue, it should be four every year.

Entries close at the end of National Smile Month. Enter right here.

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For more information about how you can participate in National Smile Month, click on the links below... 

• National Smile Month Home

• Events Ideas for National Smile Month

• Fundraising ideas for National Smile Month