National Smile Month

As part of National Smile Month, NHS Orkney’s Oral Health Team is encouraging the community to join in the fun by sharing a picture of their smile.

Karyn Tait, Oral Health Team Lead said, “For so much of this past year our smiles have, very necessarily, been hidden behind a mask, protecting us from Covid.

“This National Smile Month, we invite you to show off and share pictures of your smile. “

National Smile Month runs from – May 17 to June 17.

To encourage everyone to “Share a Smile” the Oral Health team will launch a Facebook page in early June and aim to cover it in shared smiles.

“After a year like no other, we are now at a point where we can be hopeful for reducing restrictions and the possibility of spending more time with our families and friends again and we can’t help but think about the smiles this will bring.  We ask you to share your smiles and spread them across the county,” says Karyn.

To take part in the “Share a Smile” initiative:

• Take or share a picture of a lovely smile. It could be you, your children, immediate family, work colleagues or friends (socially distanced as appropriate).
• Share your picture on your social media page and with tag #shareasmile.
• Tag your friends and family and invite them to do the same.
• If you are willing, send a copy of your picture to ork.oralhealth@nhs.scot and we will share this on our Facebook page. (By sending us your image you are giving permission for this to be shared on our Facebook page.)

“We are supporting National Smile Month because we know the importance and power of a smile. A smile can have such a positive impact on ourselves and others,” says Karyn.

The national month-long campaign seeks to highlight the importance of a healthy smile.

There are some dental basics that can ensure a smile is kept healthy:

• Brushing teeth twice per day;
• Restricting sugary foods and drinks to mealtime;
• And, in normal times, regular visits to the dentist. 

Jay Wragg, NHS Orkney’s Director of Dentistry said “We know that accessing dental care has been really challenging over this past year, and we want to thank everyone for their patience. 

“Dental services in the county continue to open up, and we are here to help you look after your smile. 

“Please contact your dental practice if you are having any issues at this time.

As Karyn says, “A smile is such a powerful gesture of friendship, happiness, warmth and all round positivity.  Even when we don’t feel good in ourselves, a smile from another can make us feel better.”

Setting a smiling example for National Smile Month are Oral Health Nurse, Claire Mitchell, back, and Oral Health Team Lead, Karyn Tait. To have your smile shared by the team on Facebook email ork.oralhealth@nhs.scot.