When it comes to our teeth, any attempts at amateur dentistry are not so easily reversed and are no laughing matter, and the results can be painful, permanent and disfiguring. Dentist have been forced to shut their practices during lockdown, and although those in England are able to offer limited services, the opening date for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are still some way off, with no clear picture of when full services will be resumed.
A healthy smile is important to everyone, which is why Christina Chatfield has launched the Save Our Smiles initiative, aimed at promoting good oral hygiene in lockdown, and raising funds for the Oral Health Foundation, a charitable organisation that is dedicated to improving oral health and wellbeing across the world. The charity has always been close to her heart, and Christina devotes time to their Move It 4 Smiles initiative, which raises money to support the fight against mouth cancer and aims to increase awareness of mouth cancer and the uptake of the HPV vaccine. It also promotes better understanding of the importance of the role of the dental hygienist within the dental team and raising their profile in the profession.
To help us really appreciate just how much we value our smiles, Christina has been part of a team that created a fun Instagram filter https://www.instagram.com/saveoursmilesuk where you are instantly transformed with a gappy mouth and crooked , rotten teeth. It’s great fun and raises a much needed laugh in these difficult times, but makes an important point. Sometimes, we only value something when it’s gone, but damaged or missing teeth cannot always be repaired or replaced, and your smile is irretrievably spoilt for ever. Christina is encouraging the profession to unite, and to raise public awareness. As well as Instagram, people are encouraged to wear pink wigs, or dye their hair pink ( pink hair filter is coming to the app soon!) . Post your pictures on social media using #SOS #SaveOurSmiles and get the message out to as many people as you can.
If anyone feels able to donate to support the work of the Oral Health Foundation, they can contribute at https://www.saveoursmiles.co.uk
The campaign acknowledges that, while it is difficult or even impossible for patients to get dental treatment, it’s vitally important to practice good hygiene regimes at home. Thorough and careful brushing with good technique and a quality fluoride toothpaste is essential. Don’t forget the spaces between your teeth either – they account for 40% of the tooth surface and need care and attention too. Use of an interdental brush, flossing and mouthwashes all have a part to play in making sure all of your mouth is as clean as possible.
Christina is also campaigning for vital financial support from Government to keep the dental industry afloat during the period of restricted operation. We are all hoping for a return to normal as soon as possible, but if dentists are forced to close due to lack of financial support, we will lose these skilled individuals from the profession, and will be left with a huge under-supply of dental services to meet the pent up demand of patients built up throughout lockdown . Christina has been extremely active in lobbying the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations, building up awareness of the issues and requesting interventions to sustain the dental industry. You can read more about Christina’s activities, and join the campaign here https://www.saveoursmiles.co.uk or mail to: contact@saveoursmiles.co.uk