Few facial expressions are as powerful as a smile. A simple smile has the energy to convey some of our strongest emotions. It has the ability to influence the success of our relationships and careers. And it is no coincidence that a confident smile is associated with images of people we see
every day considered to have that special ‘X Factor’. But not everyone has the confidence to smile. As a result, they are missing out on their very own special ‘Smile Factor’ - simply because they are not happy or are self-conscious about their teeth. Others are being held back by poor oral
well-being and its impact on their general health.

The British Dental Health Foundation  want to put the smile back on peoples’ faces and help them display their full personalities with their ‘Smile Factor’ campaign – the theme for this year’s National Smile Month.

Fluoride is added to most toothpastes to help prevent decay. Using a fluoride toothpaste will also help to strengthen your teeth. It is important to remember that the main cause of tooth decay is not the amount of sugar and acid in the diet, but how often it is eaten or drunk. Thorough brushing for two minutes, twice a day - before breakfast and particularly last thing at night - will prevent tooth decay.

A balanced healthy diet is really important to care for your teeth and general health. Sugary foods can contribute to serious health problems, such as heart disease and obesity. Fizzy drinks can increase the risk of dental problems. Even fruit smoothies can be bad for your teeth, coating them
in sugar and acid, which can cause both tooth decay and erosion.
 

In recent years monitoring what you eat has become easier with improvements to nutrition information labelling on food products. And the range of healthier food products to choose from is continuing to improve. It is recommended that you eat at least five portions of different types of fruit and vegetables a day. It is also better for your teeth and general health if you eat three meals a day instead of having seven to 10 snack attacks. Remember, sugary drinks are particularly harmful to teeth. Where possible try sugar-free drinks, or drink safe alternatives like water and milk.

Regular dental visits are really important to look after your health. With the help of your dentist, dental nurses, hygienists, oral health educators and therapists, people can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease – the main causes of fillings and tooth loss. And it is not just about caring for your teeth. Scientific research continues to prove a link between gum disease and heart disease, strokes, diabetes, breast cancer and premature babies.

Information from http://www.nationalsmilemonth.org/