There’s a lot to smile about this month. From 11th May to 11th June, we’re joining the Oral Health Foundation in celebrating fifty years of healthier, happier smiles throughout Smile Month.
Oral care is about more than just improving your smile, it’s essential health care that significantly impacts our daily lives. Even now, children across the UK miss an average of three school days per year due to dental problems.
“While we celebrate five decades of Smile Month this year, it’s evident that this movement and oral health education continue to be of utmost importance,” says Karen Coates, Oral Health Specialist for the Oral Health Foundation. “We can’t wait to see how technology, awareness and knowledge will come together to improve oral health over the next 50 years.”
At ORDO, our mission is just that. We believe in supporting positive oral hygiene at every stage of life – and that begins with creating a strong foundation of healthy habits for our children.
Two minutes, twice a day: A little routine for big smiles
Developing a positive oral health routine young creates lasting habits that will stay with your child through their teen and adult years. One of the easiest rules to remember: brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day.
But we know that it's not always that simple. Children are more likely to brush when it's fun, engaging and reinforced with positivity. To help build your child's routine, you could: choose a brush with their favourite character, use a timer or sing a two-minute song.
We created our Sonic Kids Rechargeable Toothbrush with all of these in mind. Guided brushing through audio and haptic feedback turns two minutes of brushing into an enjoyable and lasting routine. The built-in Progress Tracker acts as a timer to ensure that your children’s teeth are getting the deep clean they deserve.
With the option to choose their favourite Squishmallows character, they’ll build healthy habits with a brush that they’ll want to use. And with three brushing modes, (Training, Clean and Power), this is a brush designed to see them through every milestone.
Training Mode: For sensitive teeth and gums, or for younger kids aged 4-5 years
Clean Mode: Perfect for everyday cleaning, suitable for most kids aged 6-9 years
Power Mode: Powerful cleaning comparable to an adult toothbrush, great for teens and kids aged 10+
The Power Mode has the equivalent strength as the Clean Mode as our Sonic+ Toothbrush, so when your child is ready for an adult brush, they can easily level up.
Today's tips for the Teeth of Tomorrow
No matter your age, following these tooth-friendly tips will keep you smiling brighter for years to come.
Reducing sugar. We all love a sweet treat now and again, but it's important to know the lingering effects sugar can have on your oral health. The naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugars, which they then turn into acids. Acids break down the important protective enamel on your teeth, which can create cavities over time. From using a straw for sugary drinks, to swapping to sugar-free, and brushing adequately, there’s a lot you can do to combat the effect of sugar on your teeth. But the best thing you can do is reduce your sugar intake altogether.
Don’t rinse with water. Using a high-quality fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash are essential first steps to your oral health routine, but you could be undoing that important work by rinsing with water too soon. Instead: brush, swish with mouthwash, then wait at least 30 minutes before rinsing or drinking to allow the fluoride to stick to your teeth.
Prioritise regular dental check-ups. Nearly 39% of adults don’t go to the dentist regularly. Dental check-ups aren’t just about getting your teeth cleaned, they’re important for detecting potential oral health issues, receiving advice on teeth cleaning habits and an opportunity for you to ask questions about your overall health.
Healthier, happier smiles for everyone
“Oral care is an essential part of our overall wellbeing,” says Barty Walsh, ORDO Founder. “Partnering with the Oral Health Foundation this Smile month is another step forward in our mission to provide premium oral care to everyone, regardless of income.”
Which is why earlier this year we launched our initiative to abolish the 'tooth tax', giving every child in the UK the healthy smile they deserve. Sign the petition today to help the Teeth of Tomorrow.
Together, we can continue making smiles brighter for years to come.
