“As gum disease is a serious public health issue, affecting the quality of life of over half the population, we felt it was time to shout a little louder” explained Phil Ower, president of the BSP. “We have been met with fantastic support from a variety of organisations including Public Health England, British Association of Dental Nurses, British Society of Dental Hygienists and Therapists and our strategic partners who are backing us unreservedly.”
The BSP is using the power of social media and some eye opening face cards to show how you could look with gum disease – providing a fun way to draw attention to gum health. A selection of cards is available and being distributed via dental practices, pubs, universities and an event at London’s Westfield Centre this Thursday. They can also be requested by post via the campaign website: howsyoursmile.co.uk
The proposed campaign is a new departure for the BSP as it is aimed at the whole country – primarily the public, but health and dental professionals too. The message of the campaign is ‘If left untreated, gum disease will wipe the smile off your face’.
There are several aims for the campaign that will kick start on May 12, 2016 – European Gum Health Awareness Day – and will continue for a few weeks afterwards:
- To raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of gum disease.
- To jolt people into realising that gum disease should not be ignored.
- To drive action and encourage people to see a dental professional to have their gum health checked and improve their gum health.
- To encourage people to participate in the campaign and help spread our message.
The ultimate aim is to encourage people to visit their dentist if they suspect they may have any of the symptoms of gum disease and to visit the campaign website: www.howsyoursmile.co.uk for more information.
This initiative is part of the European Federation of Periodontology’s campaign to raise awareness across Europe.