National Smile Month is probably the UK’s best known oral health awareness campaign – and it isn’t just for dentists

According to oral health charity the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF), a toothbrush is top of the list of items people couldn’t do without when going on holiday. With summer on its way, and the gradual trickle of people popping into pharmacy for travel advice turning into a steady stream, why not turn your inevitable conversations about holiday essentials into a health promotion opportunity by taking part in National Smile Month? The initiative is the UK’s largest and longest running oral health campaign, and focuses on imparting three key messages to the general public:

• Brush teeth last thing at night and on at least one other occasion per day using a fluoride toothpaste
• Cut down on sugary foods and drinks
• Visit the dentist regularly (at least once a year or as recommended by a healthcare professional).

Tony Newton, president and chair of the BDHF, which organises the annual campaign, comments: “You only have to walk down the high street to see that oral health remains a problem in our society.” This statement conveys just why pharmacy should get involved in something that – at first glance – appears more relevant to the dental profession: not everyone is registered with a dental practice, let alone attends regular appointments. Yet again, the accessibility and convenience of pharmacy has a crucial role to play in conveying the healthy living message.

Added benefits

While pharmacies that participate in National Smile Month, which this year runs from 18 May-18 June, could have a considerable impact in helping people manage issues such as bad breath, gum disease and tartar build-up, the benefits go much further. The trouble many people have finding an NHS dentist and horror stories about how much private dental treatment can cost have been well documented in the media. Yet many people neglect their oral health without considering the huge bill – whether to the NHS or the individual – that may be lying in wait, months or years down the line.

There is also a growing body of evidence that the repercussions of poor oral health are not confined to the mouth. Sobering statistics that have come to light in recent years include the fact that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease – which increases the risk of events such as heart attacks – as those without, and are also at higher risk of developing diabetes and early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition, pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to have premature and low birthweight babies. As the BHDF’s Tony Newton says: “More and more general health problems are being linked to poor oral health.”