As a nation, we're not great at looking after our teeth. Statistics just released by the organisers of National Smile Month 2014, which will run from May 19 to June 19, don't make for particularly positive reading. For example, did you know that about a third of British children start school with visible tooth decay? Or that around a quarter of all adults haven't visited a dentist in the past two years, even though 30 per cent suffer from regular dental pain. Although taking care of our oral health isn't actually difficult, many people in the UK seem to be unaware that it is vital €“ for many reasons.

Apart from keeping teeth free from decay, good oral care can help to ensure that gums remain healthy, breath is fresh and a visit to the dentist is no more than a pain-free check-up. Good oral care can also help people to avoid health problems that they might not necessarily associate with the mouth. For instance, research has found a link between poor oral health and heart disease, as well as asthma. And according to the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF), people with diabetes may also find that taking better care of their teeth and gums improves their blood glucose control.

This month's OTC Treatment Clinic focuses on how you can help customers to improve their oral health. We will cover conditions such as gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath, and explore how you can advise customers about establishing a good oral care routine that will help keep their teeth and gums in good health.