In support of National Smile Month, 13 May – 13 June, the UK’s largest and longest-running campaign to promote good oral health, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust are supporting people in the community to improve their oral health.

Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust’s community dental service have organised various events throughout the month to encourage good oral health and inform local communities about the importance of a healthy mouth. National Smile Month is a great opportunity to support and encourage people to talk about their oral health and to feel comfortable to ask questions about their mouth.

Throughout the month, the team will be working in partnership with primary schools, children’s centres, local dental practices and community dental service clinics. As part of the campaign, advice will be provided on how to carry out effective toothbrushing, diet advice to reduce tooth decay and how to keep the mouth healthy. The campaign will also encourage children and families to take part in a toothbrush swap, where they will be able to bring in their old toothbrush to exchange for a new toothbrush.

This year’s campaign will focus on the community dental service working in close partnership with Clayton Dental Practice, to promote good oral hygiene and a toothbrush swap, both of which will be available to patients attending the practice on Wednesday 29 May.

Sharon Walker, Oral Health Improvement Lead at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with schools, nurseries, children’s centres and dental clinics across the district during National Smile Month. This is a brilliant opportunity for the community dental service to raise awareness of good oral health within the community and for people to find out why it is so important to our overall wellbeing.”

The national campaign aims to highlight three key messages for a healthy mouth:

  • Brushing your teeth last thing at night and on at least one other occasion with a fluoride toothpaste.
  • Cutting down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks.
  • Visiting your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.