Everyone deserves a healthy smile

Addressing Inequalities in Oral Health

This year’s National Smile Month campaign is all about shining a light on inequalities within oral health.

Millions of people every year are affected by oral health problems, which can leave you in extreme pain and have a real impact on your quality of life.  Sadly, oral diseases may also be life-threatening.

Oral health inequalities affect lots of different people and groups within society.  Your age, wealth, level of education and where you live can all determine how healthy, or unhealthy, your mouth might be.   

Inequalities are, however, often preventable. They are also unfair and unjust. In the UK, oral health inequalities can lead to a greater risk of:

• Oral diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease.
• Tooth loss and tooth extractions.
• Mouth cancer.
• Dental phobias and anxiety.
• Less access to frontline care and support services.

The aim of National Smile Month is to help more people achieve a healthier life through better oral health.

How are dentists supporting National Smile Month?

Dentists are getting behind the 2022 National Smile Month campaign by providing information and support for children and families, the elderly and vulnerable, people with disabilities and those living in deprivation or isolation.

Throughout the campaign, Nationals Smile Month will be focusing on different areas within oral health inequalities, to help address and tackle a number of important issues, and will be working with dentists across the UK to help bring about change.

Looking after your smile

One of the key messages in this years campaign is that we can all have a happy, healthy smile if we take the time to look after our teeth.

Looking after your smile throughout all stages of life is really important and can improve your quality of life. Whether you are a younger person, adult, or older person, keeping your mouth healthy can be easy – if you know how.

During National Smile Month and beyond, make sure you follow these healthy habits:

• Brush your teeth last thing at night and at one other time during the day.
• Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush your tongue.
• Clean in between your teeth everyday with interdental brushes or floss.
• Use a mouthwash every day.
• Cut down how much and how often you have sugar.

These simple steps are essential for good oral health. They will also take no longer than six minutes a day – so it’s a pretty good use of time too.

Posted by Oak Mount Dental Practice