Oral health in the United Kingdom has dramatically improved since our first campaign back in 1977. Huge advances in technology and dental treatment methods, the introduction of fluoride into toothpaste and a greater presence of dental education have all moved alongside our craving for the perfect smile.

Our teeth as a country are now healthier and better looking than ever before but despite the undoubted progression in the quality of our oral health there are still many aspects of care, particularly in many disadvantaged areas of the UK, which need the support and time to develop. This year for National Smile Month we hope to continue to address the inequalities in oral health and help improve our health as a nation for the better.

Throughout the issue, we will be looking at just some of the reasons why you should keep up good oral health and why a healthy mouth really does give you a better chance of having a healthy body. We will take an in-depth look into our new nationwide survey and what it says about our attitudes and behaviours towards oral health and we also have some excellent guest articles too!

I hope you enjoy this special edition of Word of Mouth and have fun during National Smile Month. Over the past 39 years the campaign has coincided with major improvements of oral health in the UK and continues to provide everyone with the opportunity to participate in that continuing challenge.

Access the latest issue from here, Word of Mouth, May 2015.