The 14th of May marks the start of National Smile Month 2018. As usual, at Lindley Dental we will be doing our bit to raise awareness about how to look after your oral health.
The first campaign was in 1977. So, is it still necessary? Surely in 2018 people have good teeth in England? Unfortunately, is it still needed? Yes, oral health has improved and fewer people face old age with full dentures. We have a long way to go through especially with children’s dental health.
On April 6th the Soft Drinks Levy came into force, adding an additional tax on drinks with high sugar content. Ironically on the same day came proof how much this is needed. Public Health England realised data which shows that a child in England has a tooth removed in the hospital every ten minutes due to preventable decay. Tooth extraction remains the most common reason for hospital admission in 5-9-year olds.
These facts are very sad. Tooth decay is a preventable disease.
So once again we will be helping to spread the campaign’s messages:
- Brush your teeth last thing at night and on at least one other occasion with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks.
- Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.
Why not have a look at PHE’s Change4Life campaign online for more information on reducing sugar intake? Don’t let your child’s first experience of dentistry be for a hospital visit for an extraction, make them an appointment for a dental health check.
We are currently accepting new child patients onto our Denplan for Children scheme which provides preventative care for younger patients. For more information do give us a call 01484 425192
Now Smile!
Sharon Jardine
Principal Dentist Lindley Dental
