There are several ways you can get involved in improving the oral health of you, your loved ones and your local community. National campaigns allow us to promote oral health and share key messages. Raising awareness helps people to understand how closely oral health is linked to overall health and wellbeing. Healthy Teeth, Happy Smiles supports these campaigns in Leicester:
National Smile Month (15 May – 15 June)
National Smile Month is a charity campaign set up by the Oral Health Foundation to promote good oral health and the value of a healthy smile.
The four key messages of National Smile Month are:
- Brush teeth for two minutes, last thing at night and one other time during the day, with a fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between your teeth every day
- Cut down how much and how often you have sugary foods and drinks.
- Visit the dentist regularly.
Here in Leicester, we believe that everyone deserves a healthy smile understanding its crucial role in overall wellbeing. Each year during National Smile Month, the Healthy Teeth Happy Smiles team here at Leicester City Council, actively engages with communities throughout the city, helping families understand the importance of good oral hygiene.
For more information about National Smile Month visit the Oral Health Foundation website.
Fizz Free February
Fizz Free February is a campaign launched by Southwark Council with the aim of reducing sugar intake by cutting out fizzy drinks. By going fizz free for all of February, it can help to reduce sugary drinks for the rest of the year.
Through the month of February, the Healthy Teeth, Happy Smiles Team at Leicester city council join in to raise awareness of the health implications of drinking fizzy drinks which often contain high amounts of sugar.
For more information about Fizz Free February visit Fizz Free February
Mouth Cancer Action Month
Mouth cancer action month is a charity campaign run in November each year, by the Oral Health Foundation to raise awareness of mouth cancer and make a difference by saving thousands of lives through early detection and prevention.
Here in Leicester, incidence, and mortality rates for oral cancer is significantly higher than the national rate and is amongst the highest in the country.
Each year during Mouth Cancer Action Month, the Healthy Teeth, Happy Smiles team at Leicester ity Council hosts events and awareness sessions to promote an understanding of mouth cancer and the importance of early detection.
To find out more information about Mouth Cancer Action Month visit the Oral Health Foundation.
Free resources
The Healthy Teeth, Happy Smiles team have developed free-to-download resources for schools, early years settings and families. These resources will help individuals and local communities to improve and maintain their oral health.
To download resources please visit the Healthy Teeth, Happy Smiles free oral health resources webpage.