A healthy smile easy as 1, 2, 3

3rd June 2013

According to the British Dental Health Foundation, there are just three simple steps to maintaining good oral health.

As part of National Smile Month, taking place between May 20 and June 20, the foundation has issued the simple three-step reminder. This includes brushing teeth for two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cutting back on sugary drinks and foods and visiting the dentist regularly. But according to the foundation, a quarter of adults don't brush their teeth twice a day worrying figures, given that people who only brush once a day are a third more likely to develop tooth decay. Meanwhile, visiting the dentist at least once a year reduces the risk of tooth decay by 60 per cent.* However, the foundation has also found that many of us put off visiting the dentist because of money worries, with nearly a fifth (19 per cent) delaying their treatment due to the cost and more than a quarter (26 per cent) admitting price has an effect on the type of dental treatment they opt for. Research by YouGov also revealed a third of UK workers who don't have access to a dental plan through their employer would like cover to be available to them.** Westfield Health's Chamber Primary Health Plan, which is available to all members of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, includes a dental benefit and provides a set amount of money back towards the cost of NHS or private dental treatment. Westfield's Executive Director Paul Shires said: -Employers regularly tell us they value the dental cover in their plans, not only as an employee benefit, but also to help them control the amount of time taken off for unplanned dental emergencies. -The benefit helps to provide more choice for people seeking treatment and care, and eases concerns about paying dental bills. -And, with poor oral health linked to a number of serious health issues such as strokes, coronary heart disease and diabetes, it is an issue for employees and employers alike to take seriously and act upon. The plan also offers a dental trauma benefit, which gives employees money back towards the cost of treatment carried out as a result of accidental injury to their teeth. For more information about the Chamber Plan, visit www.westfieldhealth.com/chamber or call 0845 602 1629, available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.