National Smile Month is the UK’s largest and longest-running campaign to promote good oral health.

Together, with thousands of individuals and organisations, National Smile Month highlights three key messages, all of which go a long way in helping us develop and maintain a healthy mouth. They are:

Brush your teeth last thing at night and on at least one other occasion with a fluoride toothpaste.

Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks.

Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.

The aim of National Smile Month is to ultimately improve the UK’s oral health. Organised by oral health charity, the Oral Health Foundation, the campaign hopes to raise awareness of important health issues, and make a positive difference to the oral health of millions.

And this year, the campaign celebrates a very special landmark… it’s 40th Birthday!

With the help and enthusiasm of those who are passionate about health and wellbeing, National Smile Month 2016 hopes to see thousands of events and activities up and down the UK educate and engage local communities about the importance of a healthy mouth.

In 2016, the campaign will take place between 16 May and 16 June, and will encourage all dental and health professionals, schools, pharmacies, community groups, colleges and workplaces – in fact anyone with an interest in good oral healthcare, to join in and help us educate, motivate and communicate positive oral health messages and improves the quality of smiles all around the UK.

But National Smile Month isn’t just about education and stressing the importance of a healthy mouth – the key to the success of the campaign is that we have lots fun doing it!