National Smile Month is an annual charity campaign run by the Oral Health Foundation to raise awareness of important oral health issues, champion the benefits of having good oral health and to promote the value of a healthy smile. National Smile Month runs from 18 May to 18 June.
We all know that a good oral health routine includes brushing twice a day, cleaning between the teeth before bed, and making regular visits to the dentist. But sometimes that pesky thing called life gets in the way and we slip up, missing a brush here or a floss there. Luckily, there are products that can help amplify our oral health on-the-go, making for less stressful visits to the dentist or hygienist when we finally do get there.
A consistent oral hygiene routine is important, but a lot of people often ignore the signs of deteriorating dental health. Choosing the right products for your lifestyle and using them correctly can make your life easier while also giving you a glowing smile.
To perfect your smile for National Smile Month, here are my must-haves for an easy and efficient oral hygiene routine:
1. An electric toothbrush is the dream because it does all the work for you. Electric toothbrushes give a far more superior clean and effective plaque removal because there are more brush strokes per minute than you could ever generate yourself with a manual brush. I recommend Philips Sonicare Diamond Clean electric toothbrush.
2. Chewing gum and mints isn’t just for freshening breath, it also has major oral health benefits – if you choose the right one. Sugar-free gum/mints increase salivary flow which can neutralise plaque acids, help remove food debris, strengthen teeth and reduce dry mouth. I suggest opting for chewing gums or mints with Xylitol as an ingredient as it can help fight tooth decay. Check out Peppersmith, a company that offers a variety of flavours including mint, lemon and strawberry.
3. Cleaning between the teeth is an often overlooked yet a vital part of oral hygiene. It's important to clean in between teeth at least once a day as brushing only cleans 60-65% of the tooth surfaces. Plaque and food get trapped between the teeth and can cause gum disease and dental decay,
For a quick and easy cleaning, I recommend TePe Easy-Picks. These little cleaners are stable, flexible, gentle on the gums and great for those who struggle with floss or aren't used to cleaning in between their teeth. They come in a small case and are so handy and easy to use anytime and anywhere.
To learn more about National Smile Month, visit DentalHealth.org.