Smile Month competition encourages schoolchildren to think about their dental health

Schoolchildren in Tameside are being invited to participate in a local competition as part of National Smile Month, which runs from 12 May to 12 June.

The competition, which is organised by Tameside Council’s Public Health team, is aimed at pupils aged 5-7-years-old, and encourages them to design colourful and informative posters showing how they look after their teeth.

The winning entry will receive an oral health goody bag for their school, including books, a giant teeth model and toothbrush, a demonstration puppet, and resources to support oral health at home.

National Smile Month promotes essential messages for better oral health. Children are encouraged to brush their teeth for two minutes, last thing at night and one other time during the day, using a family fluoride toothpaste.

For children under 3, a smear of toothpaste is enough, while a pea-sized amount is perfect for those aged 3-6 years.

Reducing the frequency and amount of sugary foods and drinks, along with regular dental visits, are also key components of maintaining good oral health.

Local data shows that over a quarter of Tameside children have tooth decay in their baby teeth, which is higher than the national average. Additionally, a significant number of children in the borough have visible plaque

Tooth decay remains the most common reason for hospital admissions in children aged between 5 and 9 years. Last year in Tameside, there were nearly 250 hospital tooth extractions for 0-19-year-olds, with around two thirds of these cases being mainly due to tooth decay or cavities.

Cllr Taf Sharif, Tameside Council Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing, said: “Healthy teeth make happy smiles! This competition is a great way for kids to get creative while learning how to take care of their teeth. We want them to have fun, feel proud of their smiles, and remember to brush every morning and night – and maybe even remind their parents too!

“Good dental hygiene not only prevents tooth decay and gum disease, but it also helps with confidence and self-esteem.”

The deadline for competition entries has been extended to Friday 27 June to factor in the upcoming two week half term, with the winner being notified the week after.

For more information, visit the NHS website to find a dentist: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist/.

For further information and advice, please visit Tameside Council’s oral health web page: https://www.tameside.gov.uk/health/oralhealth.