Safe Smiles Charity Campaign Launch
Posted on 17/09/21
Ruabon Road Dental Practice is supporting a new charity campaign helping people to make safer choices when it comes to inproving the appearance of their smile. Safe Smiles is an initiative by the Oral Health Foundation and is raising awareness about the benefits of safe dentistry carried out in dental pratices by trained professionals.
The new campaign has been announced following growing concerns about direct-to-consumer alternatives, and a worrying number of people performing their own dental treatments at home.
Research by the Oral Health Foundation reveals that one in four UK households opted for some form of DIY dentistry during the pandemic. These findings are alarming as those attempting their own dental fixes risk serious and lasting damage to the health of their mouth.
Further findings by the Oral Health Foundation show that 55% of UK adults feel they have neglected their teeth during lockdown. Around 15% admit to not brushing their teeth as frequently, 25% are eating unhealthier foods, and more than 11% have been drinking more alcohol.
Dr. Nigel Carter, Chief Exective of the Oral Health Foundation is worried this could lead to many people experiencing oral diseases, like tooth decay. Dr Carter says "We are really concerned by evidence suggesting the UK's oral health habits have declined during the pandemic. Symptoms associated with dental disease - mainly pain and changes in visual appearance- are leading to people seeking quick and cheap home cosmetic treatments advertised on-line. This is a great cause for concern and one of the key driving forces behind Safe Smiles. Safe Smiles tackles some of the most common dangers dental procedures attempted at home cause including orthodontics and teeth whitening. The campaign also warns against dental tourism and poorly fitted mouthguards. Safe Smiles has already received backing frm the British Dental Industry Association, British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, British Dental Bleaching Society, British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy, British Association of Dental Nurses and British Association of Dental Therapists. Learn more about Safe Smiles at www.dentalhealth.org/safesmiles.
