All smiles!

National Smile Month 16 May – 16 June

NHS 24 is reminding people where they can get help if they have a dental problem, as part of National Smile Month.

Now  in its’ 40th Year, National Smile Month runs from 16th May to 16th June and encourages people of all ages to practice good oral health. This includes brushing your teeth last thing at night and on at least one other time during the day, cutting down on sugary drinks and making sure you register with a dentist and go for regular check-ups.

NHS 24 has a team of trained Dental Nurse Advisors providing support during the out of hours period, as part of the Scottish Emergency Dental Service. For emergencies at other times, help is provided by local health boards and NHS 24 has a list of all the services in the ‘Find Local services’ section of the website

www.nhs24.com/findlocal/emergency-dental-care/ 

Senior Dental Nurse, Romy Slater, says people might need emergency dental care for a variety of reasons: “We get lots of calls about lost or fractured fillings and crowns, post extraction pain and general dental trauma. In the summer months, we get calls about accidents such as children falling off bikes. All patients are triaged by a dental nurse and then directed to the appropriate dental service whether it is a routine appointment, urgent or emergency care.

“Of course some of these problems cannot be helped, accidents will happen, but there is plenty you can do to reduce your risk of a filling or extraction.

“By taking a few simple steps, such as brushing your teeth twice a day, cutting down on sugary food and drinks, and by visiting your dentist regularly, you can help protect you and your family’s oral health. For advice and help with brushing children’s teeth, see the Child Smile website www.child-smile.org.uk and encourage children to get into a good dental routine.”

Romy added: “We’d like to wish National Smile Month a happy 40^th birthday! If you look after your teeth and have good oral hygiene, you hopefully won’t encounter any problems with your teeth. It is very important to be registered with a dentist and go for regular checkups.  However, if you experience any bleeding, trauma or swelling, contact 111 for expert dental advice.”

National Smile Month is organised by the Oral Health Foundation. There is more information at www.smilemonth.org