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Blog Post

How Are You Celebrating National Smile Month?

  • By Shawn Walton
  • •
  • 24 May, 2016

National Smile Month gives everyone a reason to show off their pearly whites.

National Smile Month
Originally called “Smile ‘77”, this event was founded in the UK in 1977 by the British Dental Health Foundation (now known as the Oral Health Foundation). Two years after its inception, the festivities became a week-long celebration called National Smile Week and eventually it developed into the month-long dental extravaganza which is now known as National Smile Month. In 2009, Oral Health America joined efforts with the Oral Health Foundation to co-celebrate National Smile Month in both the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

The original intention of National Smile Month was to increase positive communication and facilitate a relationship between British dentists, their patients and those in the community who were not seeking regular dental care. According to the National Smile Month website, in the early days of the celebration, only one in three people in the UK actually had their natural teeth.

The beginning purpose of National Smile Month was to provide education regarding the importance of regular preventative dental care. The objectives of this, now global, event has since become a threefold message to help provide education regarding the value proper dental care has to overall health and vitality.

  1. Brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste before bed and one other time during the day. 
  2. Reduce sugary foods and drinks from your diet.
  3. Visit your dentist for regular check-ups.

In its 40 year run, National Smile Month has had a significant impact on dental health initiatives throughout the United Kingdom and United States, providing education about the impact of preventative dental treatment and how poor dental care can lead to other health problems. Dental practitioners have used the messaging of this month long event to educate patients, speak in schools and businesses and reach the medically underserved communities around them.

At Walton Dental Health, we applaud the efforts of both the UK and US based organizations who work tirelessly to provide dental health education. We hope that the celebration of National Smile Month will help our patients and the Siouxland community embrace good dental health for a lifetime and not just for a month of recognition. This gives us all a reason to smile!

Source: http://www.nationalsmilemonth.org/about-smile-month/

How general dentistry affects your overall health and wellness. 

By Shawn Walton • 05 Dec, 2016
The health of your teeth and gums affects your body in surprising ways, including cardiac health and your risk of infection.

November is Mouth Cancer Awareness Month

By Shawn Walton • 05 Dec, 2016
November is Mouth Cancer Awareness Month. Early detection is key. Make sure you’re seeing your dentist regularly (every 6 months!)

Why is regular cleaning so important for your oral health?

By Shawn Walton • 10 Oct, 2016
Proper dental care is a vital part of keeping your teeth healthy. October is National Dental Hygiene Month, here are five reasons why regular dental cleanings are so essential.

What You Need to Know About Wisdom Teeth

By Shawn Walton • 25 Aug, 2016
What are wisdom teeth and why do they require removal? Walton Dental Health can help determine when it's time for wisdom teeth removal and what you need to know.

It’s Eye Injury Prevention Month!

By Shawn Walton • 19 Jul, 2016
At Walton Dental Health, we are committed to the health and safety of both our patients and our dental practitioners. Because of this, during the month of July we are celebrating Eye Injury Prevention Month.

Do You Need A Root Canal?

By Shawn Walton • 14 Jun, 2016
Do you need a root canal? How do you know if you need a root canal? Learn this, as well as what to expect during a root canal in this article.

Oral Cancer Awareness

By Shawn Walton • 13 May, 2016
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Walton Dental Health supports Oral Cancer Awareness Month and we are currently accepting new patients for oral exams.

Importance of Good Dental Hygiene

By Shawn Walton • 19 Apr, 2016
A beautiful smile can improve your self-esteem and health! Many people don't realize how important oral health is to overall health. Taking care of your mouth, teeth and gums are key in preventing bigger oral health problems. With a few easy steps and regular trips to the dentist, you can reap the rewards of a healthy smile.

A dental checkup every 6 months ensures your teeth are in top shape and there aren't any oral issues developing. In addition to regular checkups, we recommend you practice these easy steps in your dental routine:
  • Brush at least 2 times a day, for upwards of 3 minutes.
  • Always keep your toothbrush clean and know when it's time to invest in a new toothbrush. 
  • Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can't reach. 
  • Eat healthy foods packed with calcium, vitamin A and C. Avoid sugary foods and drinks. 
  • Smoking can cause gum disease, tooth loss and other oral health problems. Avoid cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. 
  • Exercise preventative care and schedule regular checkups. For best results, visit a dentist every 6 months, approximately twice a year. 
At Walton Dental Health, we want you to achieve a happy, healthy, picture perfect smile! With more than 20 years in the business, we provide patient-centered service for a range of dental needs. Let us provide you with superior oral care including extractions, children's dentistry, root canals, teeth whitening, crowns, bridges, implant restoration, teeth cleaning, periodontal disease treatment and more. The steps you take for your dental hygiene now will make a big different later on!
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