Take part in National Smile Month

Libraries Unlimited, in collaboration with Devon County Council, is promoting National Smile Month (18th May to 18th June).

Our libraries in Devon and Torbay are encouraging young children to brush their teeth regularly for 4 weeks and claim a free picture book, “Alan’s Big Scary Teeth” by Jarvis (subject to availability).  This free picture book was the winner of the 2017 V&A Best Illustrated Book Award.

It’s really easy to take part, simply print off a 4 week tooth brushing chart at home (or design their own) and keep track of your child’s teeth brushing over 4 weeks.  The chart includes Top Tips for the tooth brushing challenge.

When it’s complete, send an email or Facebook message with a photo of the chart to your local library to claim the free children’s book. Applications will be open from 15th – 30th June. The library will reply with details of how to collect your book. Find details of your local library here.

This is a great way to support your child with healthy, fun routines such as tooth brushing and bedtime stories.

Children benefit from routines that create good habits. Here’s some things to focus on:

• Brush your teeth last thing at night and on at least one other occasion with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Cut down on how much sugary food and drink you have and how often you have them.
• Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.

A creative way to make toothbrushing fun is to use the free NHS Brush DJ app.  Brush DJ plays two minutes of your music so you are brushing for the right amount of time.  The app has short videos on how to brush your teeth and how to clean in between using interdental brush or floss.

The National Smile Month campaign is run by the Oral Health Foundation and there are plenty of activities online including, ‘The Great British Brushathon’ on June 3rd and a poem competition.  Find out more via this link.

For more info go to:

https://www.facebook.com/DevonBookstart/

https://www.dentalhealth.org/what-is-national-smile-month

https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/food-facts/sugar

Contact Public Health Devon: Telephone 01392 386382

A collaboration between Public Health Devon, Public Health Nursing, Children’s Centres, Libraries Unlimited and Action for Children