During National Smile Month, Somerset County Council are encouraging everyone to give toothbrushes and toothpaste when donating to Foodbanks.
The awareness month, 17 May to 17 June, is the world’s largest and longest-running campaign to promote better oral health. It aims to reduce poor oral health by promoting key tips and advice, helping keep everyone’s smile healthy.
This year the Council is encouraging people to think about adding a toothbrush and toothpaste when they donate food to their local Foodbanks.
Poor oral health is largely preventable. You can take simple steps to protect your teeth and gums:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, including last thing at night
- Clean between your teeth everyday
- Reducing sugary foods and drinks
- Registering at a dentist and visiting regularly
These habits should be taught from an early age – baby’s teeth should be brushed twice a day as soon as the first tooth erupts.
Oral diseases can cause pain and discomfort, sleepless nights, loss of function and self-esteem and in turn disrupt family life and lead to time off school and work.
Experiencing tooth decay or having missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures may negatively affect a person’s confidence and have a negative impact on their quality of life.
Councillor Clare Paul, Somerset County Council’s member responsible for health and wellbeing, said: “Everybody deserves a healthy smile. This initiative will give that opportunity to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
“A person’s oral health is a crucial part of their overall wellbeing. I urge you all to please help make Somerset a place where everybody has the opportunity to have healthy teeth and gums. Look after your own oral health during this month – and at all times – and help someone else have a healthy smile. Donate a toothbrush and toothpaste this National Smile Month.”