Photo booth is just one way in which Grantham dental practice is promoting good oral health

Dentist patients are being invited show off their best smiles in a selfie photo booth, as part of National Smile Month.

The photo booth is just one of the initiatives being used by the Maltings Dental Practice, in Commercial Road, Grantham, to encourage patients to look after their teeth.

National Smile Month is the UK’s largest and longest-running campaign to promote good oral health. Organised by oral health charity the Oral Health Foundation, the campaign hopes to raise awareness of important health issues, and make a positive difference to the oral health of millions.

As well as the photo booth, the dental practice is giving away free dental care packs, including egg timers, toothpaste and advice.

Practice manager Louise Butler is pleased with the response. She said: “Some of the patients have been a bit reluctant to use the photo booth at first but they’re soon happy to join in, especially when they realise that they could win a £50 Marks & Spencer voucher. Children are particularly excited to use all the props.”

And it is not just patients who are striking their best poses.

Louise added: “No one has been exempt. Dental nurses, reception staff and the oral surgeons have all taken their turn in the photo booth to practice what they preach.”

Each year, the campaign focuses on three key messages, including brushing your teeth last thing at night and on at least one other occasion with a fluoride toothpaste, cutting down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks and visiting your dentist regularly.

Louise added: “One of the other key messages this year is raising awareness about tooth decay in children since recent figures have shown that the number of hospital tooth extractions for children aged under four has increased by 24 per cent in the last decade. We’ve been visiting some of the local primary schools to help educate them about good oral hygiene and to send across a good message.”

Although the practice always support National Smile Month, it is the first time that they have got actively involved.

Louise said: “Tooth decay is a collective problem but it’s important that we as a dental practice do our part to help raise awareness, educate and prevent it from becoming an even bigger issue.”

For more information on National Smile Month, visit: www.nationalsmilemonth.org