Your smile is such an important part of who you are. It’s important to keep it nice and healthy so you can always be proud of it. Now is the perfect time of year to talk about how you can take care of your smile, because May 13 to June 13 is National Smile Month! But what exactly is it? And how do you celebrate it? A dentist in uptown Houston gives you tips on celebrating your smile and keeping it beautiful.
What is National Smile Month?
National Smile Month is a campaign to promote oral health. It focuses on 3 key messages to maintain a healthy mouth:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Cut back on sugary foods and drinks.
- Visit your dentist regularly.
This campaign began as “National Smile Week” in the UK in 1979, and has now gained awareness in the United States and several other countries.
What Does National Smile Month Promote?
National Smile Month encourages dentists and other health care professionals, schools, pharmacies, colleges, workplaces – anyone with an interest in proper oral healthcare – to help educate, motivate, and communicate positive methods of caring for oral health and improve smiles in any way they can.
It doesn’t have to be directed solely at children, even though they can greatly benefit by learning good oral hygiene habits at a young age. National Smile Month hosts thousands of local events and activities aimed at teaching people of all ages about taking care of their mouth.
How Can I Celebrate National Smile Month?
The easiest way to celebrate National Smile Month is right there in the name – just smile! Studies have shown that smiling even for a few seconds can drastically improve your mood. Smiling at people you see when you’re out and about can make them feel better as well.
You can also host events in your community to raise awareness of the importance of good oral health. Simply posting something on social media can also help spread awareness.
In addition, your dentist in uptown Houston recommends the following tips to keeping a healthy mouth:
- Brush your teeth twice a day, ideally in the morning and again right before bed, for two full minutes each time.
- Floss once a day.
- Avoid sugary snacks as they can cause cavities.
- Drink more water. Dehydration can lead to lack of saliva in your mouth. This means that bacteria are less likely to be washed away and can stay and wreak havoc on your teeth and gums.
- Schedule a regular checkup and cleaning appointment with your dentist at least twice a year, or as often as she recommends.
With these tips, you can keep your smile healthy and beautiful. You can help spread the joy of taking care of your smile to others!
About the Author
Dr. Terri Alani’s motto is “a beautiful smile speaks when you don’t.” She believes that a person’s smile is a huge factor in how they feel about themselves. This is why she has specialized in cosmetic dentistry to improve the self-confidence of her patients. To learn more about how she can help you smile a little brighter, click here or call (713)-621-5141.