Make your smile a healthy one

Toddler learning how to brush teeth properly

Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust is supporting a new campaign to help people make the most of their smile.

The British Dental Health Foundation is running National Smile Month from 15 May to 15 June this year to promote the importance of good dental health. The Rochdale borough Oral Health team are raising awareness of how to look after your teeth so that you can have a healthy, happy smile, for life.

There are three key rules for good oral health; brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, keeping sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes only and visiting a dentist for regular check ups.

Andrew Forest, Oral Health Lead, said: “Statistics show that an average 2.1 under fives in Rochdale have decayed, missing or filled teeth. It’s important that we learn from a young age how to look after our teeth so they stay in good condition and last a lifetime.

“Not only does poor oral hygiene lead to problems such as gum disease, it can also affect your confidence and wellbeing. If you are self conscious about your teeth, it can really affect how you engage and interact with people on a daily basis and prevent you from doing things that you want to.”