A healthier mouth will make you smile; Oral Health Month: Advertising Feature.

MAINTAINING good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums.

Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and drink properly, so make sure your oral health is on top form during Colgate's Oral Health Month, September.

The campaign stresses the importance of adopting a good oral hygiene routine, visiting a dentist regularly, and brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. If you don't brush your teeth properly or look after your gums, bacteria in your mouth can multiply to form plaque. Plaque is the enemy of healthy teeth, contributing to gum disease, tooth decay and cavities.

Dentists advise that, in order to maintain a healthy smile, you replace your brush, or the brush attachment, every three months; never share your toothbrush, as this can spread infections, and brush twice daily for at least two minutes, using fluoride toothpaste.

Most toothpastes contain fluoride, which helps to prevent and control cavities. It's important to use one with the right concentration of fluoride for you or your child. For children aged up to three, use a smear of toothpaste containing no less than 1,000ppm fluoride. Children aged three to six should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing 1,350-1,500ppm fluoride, while adults should use a toothpaste containing at least 1,350ppm fluoride.

Even when brushing twice a day, it's still important to make regular visits to the dentist. They can spot any possible problems early on.

If you do have any issues, a dentist can offer professional advice and even cosmetic dentistry.

So, ensure you have a healthy mouth and you'll have a healthy smile too.

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SAY CHEESE: Get that perfect smile with regular brushing and check-ups