World Smile Day: Make your smile last all year

Your smile is amazing. It has the power to elevate your mood and the emotions of those around you. It can open doors to brand new opportunities, secure that second date, and showcase your happiness to the world. Smiling is a universal symbol of happiness and kindness, and your smile is as unique as you are.

Here at Smiles, we know the difference a confident smile can make. That’s why we’re committed to keeping smiles shining up and down the Republic of Ireland, with dedicated dentists providing excellent dental care from Galway to Wexford and back again.

Let’s celebrate your smile

Launched in 1999 and celebrated on the first Friday of each October, the message of this annual event is as simple as it is clear: Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile.

Let’s dive right into our ten top tips for smiles that bring happiness throughout the year.

1. Stick to an effective teeth cleaning routine

When it comes to excellent oral health, it all starts with the essentials. Behind every sparkling smile is a teeth cleaning routine that covers all the basics. By brushing at least twice per day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, you’ll be able to remove food residue, plaque and build-ups of bacteria, increasing your protections against gum disease and the complications it can cause.

This is important for everyone of all ages, but becomes especially significant as we get older. In Ireland, 18% of adults over the age of 54 have no natural teeth, and 6% of adults in Ireland claim to struggle with eating, talking and laughing as a result of dental health concerns.* By adopting (and sticking to!) a consistent teeth cleaning routine, you can keep your smile in better shape for longer.

2. Remember to floss

Regular brushing will remove the majority of the food residue that causes the development of bacteria on the teeth. However, the gaps between the teeth require careful and consistent attention. Daily flossing after brushing will help remove residue caught in the teeth, helping to maintain your tooth enamel and keeping gum disease at bay.

3. Plan regular visits to your dentist

Want to keep your smile in top condition? Your dentist should be your first port of call. Routine exams and dental hygiene appointments will help you keep your teeth sparkling and clean, and your dentist will also be able to provide advice on how to make your oral health regime even more effective.

On top of this, Smiles dentists have the experience and insight needed to spot oral health complications – ranging from gum disease to more serious concerns like mouth cancer – in their earliest stages.

4. Give your smile a confidence boost

All too many people shy away from letting their smile shine, as they feel self-conscious about common issues like crooked teeth, underbites, overbites or a smile that could be whiter and brighter.

Our Smiles clinics take pride in offering a range of teeth whitening and teeth straightening treatments, all of which can make a difference to your smile and the confidence it shows. Providing discreet teeth straightening with removable Invisalign aligners and other orthodontic treatments, in-practice teeth whitening and reliable whitening kits to take home (and much more besides), we’ve got all you need to unleash your confident smile.

5. Keep your diet smile-healthy

From comforting traditional bakes like barmbrack or scones to sweet pick-me-ups and fizzy drinks, we all enjoy a sugary treat now and then. We all know that such indulgences aren’t good for our dental health, and it’s important to enjoy such things in careful moderation if you want to maintain your smile over the years.

Consider switching up less healthy snacks for low-sugar alternatives. Fresh fruits and vegetables (especially crunchy vegetables which flush away bacteria as you eat them) are highly recommended. We’re lucky in Ireland to have access to plenty of delicious natural and seasonal produce – why not make the most of it? What’s more, the vitamin boost you’ll get from such ingredients can help you live an overall healthier lifestyle, elevate your energy levels and even potentially heighten your mood, too.**

6. Keep an eye on your mental health

A smile isn’t something that begins and ends with your teeth – it’s a symptom of happiness and inner peace that comes from deep within. There’s no denying that life can sometimes take some unexpected twists and turns, and good mental health is central to self-care and ensuring you keep on smiling.

A recent survey reported that up to 60% of adults in Ireland experience depression, and a worrying 80% of adults across the country feel they experience symptoms of anxiety.*** Making sure you have someone to talk to if things become too difficult, or taking the time to speak to a mental health professional can make a whole world of difference. Approaching dental health and mental health in a similar way – by ensuring positive routines, taking expert advice, and adjusting daily habits to maximise the best results – is a holistic way to keep smiling throughout the year.

7. Dive into mindfulness

Chances are, you’ve come across mindfulness before, or may already be an ardent practitioner. If not, it’s just as likely you could benefit from this approach of living in the present moment and allowing yourself to be aware or mindful of how you feel, what you do, and how your actions influence yourself and the people around you.

Those who practise mindfulness believe that by making a few small changes to the way you perceive yourself at any given moment, you can reduce stress, slow down and increase your happiness. It might be as simple as enjoying a sunset, savouring your food a little more thoroughly or enjoying the feeling of freshly-cleaned teeth. It may involve more active mindful techniques like deep breathing exercises, yoga or meditation. By adopting ‘in the moment’ living, you may just discover a few more reasons to smile.

8. Do your bit for others

World Smile Day 2023 arrives with the important message of “Do an act of kindness. Make one person smile”. When we help others or share kindness and generosity, we not only help those around us feel better, we can also invite more happiness into our lives.

Volunteering for local charities, helping friends and neighbours, or assisting those in need in your community can make a huge difference to people’s lives. If you don’t have the time or resources, simply lend an ear to someone close to you and remind your loved ones you’re there for them. We all have the ability to help the smiles of other people shine, and by proactively lending a hand, we can all make the world a better place.

9. Reduce stress with creativity

A lot of people perceive themselves as being not very creative. However, we all have the ability to express ourselves creatively, and enjoying a hobby or artistic activity is a surefire way to relax, enjoy your individualism and spread some smiles.

There are countless ways to get creative. Baking delicious cakes or bread, dance classes (or hitting the clubs to throw some shapes!), painting, crochet, writing poetry… the list just goes on and on. No matter if you’re a natural talent or a keen amateur, being creative can be a fabulous source of daily happiness.

10. Let your smile shine

At Smiles, we know that truly beautiful smiles are those with confidence, health and real happiness behind them. Our clinicians, practice staff and specialists alike are here to help your smile reach its full potential. By taking care of your oral health, you’ll feel more comfortable showing off your smile and revealing its effect on those around you.

With 22 clinics across the Republic of Ireland, Smiles is dedicated to helping you gain happier, healthier and more confident smiles. Contact your nearest clinic today to book your next appointment.

* www.dentalhealth.ie
** www.washingtonpost.com
*** www.aware.ie

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