OLDHAM Council is encouraging residents to do their bit and take part in National Smile Month from Monday, May 13 to Thursday, June 13.
The national campaign aims to promote improving and maintaining a healthy mouth.
Oldham’s under-fives, in particular, have some of the worst tooth decay in the country and the council is calling for vital co-operative action to help stop the rot.
The council, along with Bridgewater Community Health Care NHS Foundation Trust, has organised events across the borough over the next four weeks to help remind residents about the importance of good oral health.
The theme of this year’s campaign is ‘Swap Sugars and Snack Smarter’ and the local authority is working with Change4Life to deliver Sugar Swaps advice to parents.
Oldham has also set up a Supervised Brushing campaign in early years settings, school nurseries and reception classes where children take part in a ‘class brush’ with their teacher.
Cllr Zhaid Chauhan, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said:“Without good oral health, we are unable to communicate, eat and enjoy a variety of foods and socialise.
“This can affect our self-esteem, confidence, and readiness to learn – especially if you are a child.
“That is why it is incredibly important to have a healthy mouth as it aids to both our general health and wellbeing.
“We are hosting a variety of local events for this year’s national Smile Month campaign to help reinforce our key messages around how you can improve and maintain your oral health – and how you can keep that all-important smile.”
For more information about the campaign, just visit: www.oldham.gov.uk/smilemonth
If you want to find out more about the ‘Sugar Swaps Tool’, just visit: www.NHS.uk/change4life
Keep an eye out on Oldham Council’s social media channels – www.Facebook/loveoldham and www.twitter.com/oldhamcouncil for tips and advice to keep you and your families teeth in tip top shape.