Time for change

An extensive campaign, spearheaded by the British Dental Health Foundation, will see the profession, schools, workplaces and retail outlets combine efforts to help raise awareness. 

Alarmingly, 25 per cent of adults don’t brush twice a day (including a third of men!).  Maybe you might want to share some fun statistics with your patients.  For example, it takes 43 muscles to frown but only 17 to smile.  Patients might be surprised to realise that when seeking a partner, a smile is top of the most sought after physical attributes, beating body shape, dress sense and eyes! If they need any more reason to look after their teeth then you might like to remind them of the link between oral and systemic health. 

Oral-B has Pro-Expert toothpaste and Fixodent denture adhesive patient samples available to order via its website, www.dentalcare.com 

Giving patients the tools they need to do the job might encourage them to adhere to your advice. National Smile Month can be used as a catalyst for change in terms of your patients’ oral hygiene!