OLDHAM Council is encouraging residents to do their bit and take part in National Smile Month (from Monday, May 13 to Thursday, June 13).

The national campaign aims to promote improving and maintaining a healthy mouth.

Oldham’s under-fives, in particular, have some of the worst tooth decay in the country and the council is calling for vital co-operative action to help stop the rot.

The council along with Bridgewater Community Health Care NHS Foundation Trust has organised a variety of events to take place across the borough over the next four weeks to help remind residents about the importance of good oral health, so everyone can all enjoy having a healthy smile.

The theme of this year’s campaign is "Swap Sugars and Snack Smarter" and the authority is working with Change4Life to deliver Sugar Swaps’ advice to parents across Oldham.

The public can find out more about with the "Sugar Swaps Tool" by visiting: www.NHS.uk/change4life.

Oldham has also set up Supervised Brushing campaign in in early years settings, school nurseries and reception classes across the borough where children take part in a "class brush" with their teacher.

Cllr Zhaid Chauhan, cabinet member for health and social care, said: “Without good oral health, we are unable to communicate, eat and enjoy a variety of foods and socialise. This can affect our self-esteem, confidence, and readiness to learn – especially if you are a child.

“That is why it is incredibly important to have a healthy mouth as it aids to both our general health and wellbeing.

“With that in mind, we are hosting a variety of local events for this year’s national Smile Month campaign to help reinforce our key messages around how you can improve and maintain your oral health - and how you can keep that all important smile.