National Smile Month 2022 – Business toolkit

Starting 16 May and ending 16 June, National Smile Month aims to raise awareness of important oral health issues and champions the benefits of a healthy smile.

It’s particularly important to bring awareness to the connection between oral and mental health. Oral health is often overlooked when thinking about how poor mental health can impact us physically. For example, it’s estimated that people with severe mental illness are 2.7 times more likely to lose their teeth.^*

A common sign of depression is a neglect of personal wellbeing, which can include oral health. Depression may also increase the likelihood someone turns to smoking, alcohol and illegal drugs as a way of coping, all of which increase the risk of oral health issues like gum disease and mouth cancer.

Dental anxiety can also be a serious issue, with around 4 in every 10 adults in the UK having a fear of the dentist and 1 in 10 adults having some form of extreme anxiety which may prevent them from visiting the dentist.

How does this affect your business?

At Bupa, we want to make sure your employees feel empowered to take control of their oral health. Whether this starts with them feeling supported when it comes to their mental health, or by letting them know what Bupa dental services are available to them, we’re here to help your employees and business to thrive.

Encouraging your team to prioritise their oral health could help prevent bigger issues arising meaning a healthier, happier and more productive workforce.

You’ll find a range of expertly crafted resources below to support your people with both their oral health and mental health.

For your business

• Employer internal communication (DOC, 0.02MB)

Guidance and support for line managers

• Opening up about mental health at work: A manager’s guide (DOC, 0.02MB)
• Addressing mental health in the workplace as a manager

Resources that you can share with your team

• The effects of mental health on oral health (PDF, 0.9MB)
• Understanding dental anxiety
• Dental anxiety support guide (PDF, 0.2MB)
• Coping with anxiety about world events
• Bupa's Mental Health Hub: We want to open up the conversation about mental health at work, so we’ve developed useful advice and guidance to help support both you and your employees with mental health in the workplace.

Reminder for your insured employees

• Speak to a dentist via phone or video through the Bupa Dental Care Support Line: 0808 273 1544
• Find a dental practice: Bupa dental practice finder
• Get rewarded: Bupa Everyday Rewards

The Bupa dental website has a wealth of information if you would like to understand more about oral health care, including information about accessing Bupa Dental Care services. You can also access further information and support on the Oral Health Foundation website.

^*Listerine professional resources, 2020