The Dental Health Foundation runs National Smile Month every year and this year's theme is: "Brush for Health".
The Oral Health Team is holding events over the next few weeks to promote National Smile Month 17th May - 16th June 2009. Promotional events have been organised at 4 locations at Gateshead College and City of Sunderland College where the Oral Health Team will be distributing toothbrushes, toothpaste, leaflets and lots of oral health related information.
- Monday 18th May - Shiney Row College, Sunderland
- Thursday 21st May - Stadium Campus, Gateshead College
- Monday 1st June - Baltic Campus, Gateshead College
- Tuesday 2nd June - Hylton College, Sunderland
National Smile Month 2009 highlights the systemic links between oral health and overall body health. Scientific research links gum disease to:
- heart disease
- strokes
- diabetes
- premature and low birth weight babies
The Foundation's three key messages, at the heart of the charity's work over the past 38 years, and three decades of National Smile campaigns, are:
- brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- visit the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend
- cut down on the frequency of sugary foods and drinks