WHY do we have so many awareness days, weeks and months? Some of them seem utterly ridiculous. The health related ones, though, are a good idea. 

It is National Smile Month. One in three adults have tooth decay, so this campaign promotes eating less sugar and processed food, drinking more water and visiting the dentist.

And I’ve put some products to the test to help you smile . . .  

MOUTHWASH 

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IF ever there was a man who says “teeth” it is TV presenter Rylan Clark – his are gleaming! And he has teamed up with British oral care brand Waken. 

I am not always keen on products pushed by celebs, but Rylan believes in Waken and has invested in it. I like it too. I love their whitening toothpaste and the Waken Advanced Care Mouthwash. 

It is made with natural peppermint, strengthens enamel with fluoride, and comes in a recycled bottle. This is alcohol free and a 500ml bottle costs £5.  

The company has just started selling in major supermarkets. See wakencare.com 

CHEWING GUM 

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I CHEW so much gum I could put a cow to shame – but not all gums are good for you thanks to the sweeteners, sugar and chemicals in them. 

But some do have health benefits. 

Peppersmith is one such example. It contains the plant-based sweetener xylitol and is approved by the Oral Health Foundation. 

Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol after meals, is scientifically proven to reduce cavities, neutralise harmful acids, and keep breath fresh. 

Xylitol is a natural sugar alternative that bacteria cannot digest, meaning it actively fights tooth decay. 

It also helps to strengthen enamel – unlike sugary mints and gum that mask bad breath and contribute to cavities. 

The gum comes in mint, lemon and strawberry flavours. I wasn’t keen on the fruity ones – but the mint is great and is £1.35 for 15g at Sainsbury’s. 

See peppersmith.co.uk. 

TOOTHPASTE 

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SALT toothpaste made by Weleda has been around for more than 100 years, but has soared into the brand’s list of bestsellers in the last two years. 

That’s because it is a chemical-free, eco-friendly toothpaste popular with those looking to avoid additives – there are no detergents, bleaches, foam boosters or optical brighteners in the product. 

No fluoride either – some people are worried that too much can lead to dental fluorosis or skeletal fluorosis, which can damage bones and joints. While rare, fluorosis is a factor. 

This toothpaste uses sodium bicarbonate, which is a salt that breaks down to form sodium and bicarbonate in water. This helps to promote healing in the mouth, and to ease ulcers, cuts and sore patches. 

It is totally free from microplastics too. It tastes like bicarbonate of soda but my mouth felt really fresh after using. I liked it. It’s priced at £5.95 for 75ml. 

See weleda.co.uk.