National Smile Month is held every year between 17th May to 17th June and raises awareness regarding the importance of healthy smiles. During this time, we believe it’s important to highlight the potential issues that we all face when we ignore our oral health and the simple preventative steps we can take to keep our teeth and gums healthy and bright.
Why is having a healthy smile so important?
The benefits of a healthy smile are tenfold and can be felt in all aspects of your daily life, from social interactions to self-confidence and inner wellness.
Keeping dentally fit
Gum disease is an infection of the soft tissue supporting the tooth and caused by plaque and bacterial build-up. The bacteria can spread, causing inflammation, pain, and bleeding, and if left for a long time, can result in tooth loss. Gum disease has also been linked to various other diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke and rheumatoid arthritis! If we don’t practice a good oral hygiene regime, we are putting our teeth and gums at risk of decay and disease.
Soaring self-confidence
A smile is the most recognised facial expression and is understood globally. It’s even the most contagious expression! When you feel good about your teeth and gums, you’ll want to show it off instead of hiding your smile in social situations. With a boost of self-confidence, smiling can elevate your mood and relieve stress. It also takes fewer muscles to smile than it does to frown!
What can you do to keep your smile in top condition?
Here are our quick tips to keep your smile shining bright:
- Attend regular check-ups with your dentist
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes
- Remember to floss
- Limit your intake of sugary food and drink
- Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months