Leading dental brands support National Smile Month

The British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) has announced the launch of National Smile Month, a public health initiative that is being supported by a number of leading brands.

Running from May 20th to June 20th 2013, the campaign is designed to encourage consumers to spend time thinking about how they can improve their oral health, such as by using a fluoride toothpaste, cutting down sugar intake and visiting the dentist more often.

Listerine, Oral-B and Wrigley are the platinum sponsors of the event, with Philips, Lloydspharmacy, Argos, Invisalign, Bupa, NUK and Denplan also offering support.

In total, almost 2,500 organisations are taking part in the campaign, with the smiling mouth icon that represents this year's initiative to be seen in dental practices, education centres, shopping malls and sports facilities across the nation.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the BDHF, said: "We hope more people than ever before will take part in National Smile Month and help to educate as many people as possible about how to gain and the benefits of great oral health."

This is one of two major national campaigns organised by the charity each year, with the second – Mouth Cancer Action Month – scheduled for November.