National Smile Month

NSM2020 OHF

National Smile Month is an annual event in the United Kingdom that promotes the benefits of good oral health and the importance of proper oral hygiene. The campaign is run by the Oral Health Foundation, a leading international dental health charity, with the aim of raising awareness about issues surrounding oral health and encouraging the adoption of positive oral health behaviors.

History

National Smile Month began in the early 1970s as a week-long event and has since grown into a month-long campaign. It is typically held from mid-May to mid-June each year. The initiative has gained significant attention and support from dental professionals, healthcare organizations, and the public, making it one of the longest-running oral health campaigns in the UK.

Objectives

The primary objectives of National Smile Month are to:

• Highlight the key issues related to oral health and the impact it has on general well-being and quality of life.
• Promote the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist as recommended.
• Encourage the reduction of sugar consumption to prevent tooth decay.
• Increase awareness of the benefits of a healthy smile and the confidence it can bring to individuals.

Activities and Events

During National Smile Month, a variety of activities and events are organized across the country to engage the public and spread the campaign's messages. These include:

• Educational workshops and seminars led by dental professionals.
• Free dental check-ups and consultations in some areas.
• Competitions and challenges to encourage participation and engagement.
• Social media campaigns to reach a wider audience and encourage sharing of oral health tips and experiences.

Support and Participation

The success of National Smile Month relies on the support and participation of dental practices, schools, businesses, and community groups. Many dental professionals volunteer their time to provide free consultations and educational talks. Schools often incorporate oral health lessons into their curriculum during the month, and businesses support the campaign through sponsorship and promoting the message to their employees and customers.

Impact

National Smile Month has made a significant impact on raising public awareness about the importance of oral health. It has helped to change behaviors and attitudes towards oral hygiene and has contributed to improvements in oral health standards across the UK.

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