World Oral Health Day is a Global Healthcare Event observed
every year on 20th March, which was initiated by the FDI World Dental
Federation to raise awareness on the importance of oral hygiene and the factors
that have contributed to oral diseases and the impact oral health can have on
overall general health of an individual.
The campaign has grown over the years with the Dental
Associations, Health Care Organisations and Communities worldwide promoting
Oral and Dental health through educational initiatives, free dental check-ups
and community awareness drives.
Each year, the event follows a specific theme that focuses
on different aspects of oral health. This year’s theme, ‘A Happy Mouth Is a
Happy Mind’ emphasises the link between mental health and dental health. Poor
oral health can lead to conditions like cavities, gum diseases and tooth loss
which affect confidence, social interactions and overall mental health.
Untreated dental problems can also contribute to pain, stress, anxiety and
self-consciousness impacting a person’s quality of live.
Why is Oral Health Important?
Oral health plays a vital role in overall well-being
affecting not just the mouth but also general health. Neglecting oral hygiene
can lead to various dental issues that may cause discomfort and impact daily
life.
1.Prevents
Dental Diseases: Brushing, flossing and regular dental check-up help prevent
common problem like cavities, gum diseases and bad breath. Untreated dental
issues can progress leading to pain, infection and even tooth loss.
2.Reduces
the risk of systematic health problem: Poor oral hygiene has been linked to
serious health conditions including heart diseases, diabetes and respiratory
infections. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream increasing the
risk of inflammation and other complications.
3.Support
Mental and Social well-being: Oral health affects confidence, speech and social
interactions. Dental problems such as missing or discolored teeth may lead to
self-consciousness and reluctance to smile, impacting mental well-being and
quality of life.
4.Improves
digestion and nutrition: Healthy teeth and gums are essential for proper
chewing, which aids in digestion and nutrient absorption. Dental problems can
make it difficult to eat a balanced diet leading to nutritional deficiencies.
5. Good
oral hygiene habits established early can prevent severe dental issues later in
life. Regular care reduces the need for complex treatments, saving time, money
and discomfort in the future.
•Simple
daily habits can keep teeth and gums strong, reducing the risk of long-term
complications.
•Brush
twice a day:Use a fluoride toothpaste
and a soft bristled tooth brush to clean teeth for at least 2 minutes. Brushing
before bed is especially important to remove plague and food particles.
•Floss
daily; Flossing removes food debris and plague from between teeth, where a
tooth brush cannot reach. This helps prevent gum diseases and cavities.
•Use Mouth
Wash: An antimicrobial or fluoride mouth wash can help reduce bacteria,
strengthens enamel and freshens breath.
•Limit
sugary and acidic foods: Excess sugar and acidic foods weakens enamel and
contributes to tooth decay. Drinking water after consuming such food can help
reduce their impact.
•Stay
hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and bacteria,
keeping the mouth clean and preventing dry mouth, which can increase the risk
of cavities.
•Visit the
Dentist regularly: Routine check-ups and professional cleaning help detect and
address dental issues early, preventing more problems in the future.
Consistently following these practices will help maintain
strong teeth and healthy gums, reducing the risk of dental problems over time.
The treatment of oral and dental health conditions is quite expensive and
usually is not included in health coverage. Moreover, access to quality oral
care services is minimal in rural and far-flung areas. In addition, untreated
dental problems can lead to discomfort, invasive treatment and even systemic
health concerns. Taking consideration of the aforementioned, an awareness of
dental and oral health care is very much necessary to avoid problems and their
associated complications.
Therefore, World Oral Health Day aims to empower
individuals, schools, organisations, communities and professionals with the
knowledge, tools and confidence to secure good oral and dental health.
Wishing everyone “A HAPPY WORLD ORAL HEALTH DAY 2025” .
