World Oral Health Day is celebrated every March 20 to raise public awareness about good oral hygiene. This celebration is an initiative of the FDI International Dental Federation, an organization that unites the dental community with the aim of ensuring good oral health for all people.
Oral hygiene is a subject that is generally overlooked because people are unaware of the underlying issues. They continue to neglect the value of having proper oral hygiene and the risk of developing related illnesses.
This day is primarily observed to encourage people to practice good oral hygiene habits and take good care of their teeth and gums and promote overall health through proper oral health practices that can develop our social, personal, mental, and physical well-being.
Why World Oral Health Day is Worth Celebrating
The World Oral Health Day 2023 celebration works to raise public awareness of oral health issues and educate people about how to maintain good oral health. Additionally, it emphasizes the value of dental care accessibility and exhorts policymakers to give oral health initiatives top priority in their healthcare systems.
The day aims to educate people about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, getting regular dental check-ups, and eating a healthy diet. It also emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment of oral diseases, which can help prevent more serious health problems from developing.
How Can We Celebrate It Effectively
There are many ways to celebrate and promote good oral hygiene practices effectively. These are some of the World Oral Health Day activities you can do to commemorate this special day.
Spread awareness.
Make use of social media to let your friends and family know how important oral health is and to persuade them to take good care of their teeth and gums. Disseminate instructional movies, infographics, and other materials that give oral hygiene advice and facts.
You may also join the #MouthProudChallenge this year to make your voice heard on social media. Make a personal commitment to putting your oral health first. Discuss the importance of oral hygiene and help to raise awareness. Individuals and professionals are encouraged to join and help spread confidence within.
Visit a dentist.
This is a perfect day to have an oral checkup, as most dental clinics offer discounted pricing on this day. They can not only fix issues but also prevent them by detecting the onset of gum disease and tooth caries. It is essential that you take charge of your dental health and schedule routine checkups with your dentist so that they can spot any abnormalities before they become a problem.
Organize a dental health fair.
Fairs like this can help people learn about good oral hygiene habits and receive free dental exams and screenings. To provide instructional resources and demonstrations, you can also collaborate with regional dental clinics and organizations.
You may also join with the local dental clinics to provide free dental checkups and consultations on World Oral Health Day. This will help those who might not otherwise have access to dental care to take better care of their teeth and gums.
Engage children.
The best way to educate kids about oral health is to get them involved in the process early on. By planning enjoyable activities that highlight the value of brushing, flossing, and routine dental exams, such as coloring competitions, puppet shows, and games, you may educate kids about the importance of oral health.
You may give these kids oral hygiene kits, which include toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss, as rewards and a token of appreciation.
Facts About Oral Health You Need to Know
- Oral health is more than just teeth and gums. Their health and the overall oral-facial system that allows us to smile, speak, and chew is referred to as oral health. Practicing proper dental hygiene is essential for enhancing your oral health and general well-being.
- Most low-and-middle-income nations lack adequate services to prevent and treat oral health problems. Most therapy for oral health issues is costly and is not frequently covered by universal health insurances.
- Pain and infections caused by oral disease can lead to difficulties in your eating, speaking, and thinking. It can also have an impact on social interactions and employment opportunities.
- Children from low-income homes are twice as likely as children from higher-income families to develop cavities.
How Can We Reduce Oral Diseases
By targeting shared risk factors, public health initiatives can lessen the burden of oral illnesses and other noncommunicable diseases. Oral illnesses can be reduced in a number of ways, and following these simple tips, you can lower the risk of oral disorders and preserve good oral health.
Having a fluoride treatment
Fluoride is the best companion for dental enamel since it helps sustain the minerals found in it and fights bacteria that damage the teeth. The best approach to getting fluoride is to use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash on a daily basis.
A fluoride varnish is a dental therapy that can help prevent, halt, or stop the progression of tooth decay. It contains fluoride, a mineral that can help strengthen tooth enamel.
Avoiding harmful food and drinks
The main cause of many cases of tooth decay is a poor diet, which includes foods high in sugar and other hazardous carbohydrates. To fully preserve your teeth, avoid consuming too many dangerous foods and beverages, such as coffee, sweets, and tomato-based goods.
Eating raw foods at the end of meals is one approach to safeguarding your teeth. Certain foods help clean teeth and massage gums, as well as produce more saliva to wash away leftover food particles.
Use mouthwash and floss
Even though flossing and using mouthwash after meals may not be strictly necessary, doing so even once a day can greatly help to protect the regions that cannot be reached by brushing, such as in between teeth and at the back of the mouth.
Consuming fluoridated water and having dental sealants help prevent caries and save money by avoiding costly dental treatment.
Brush your teeth regularly
Properly brushing your teeth is the first step toward healthy oral hygiene. Although germs can also affect the gums and other tooth-supporting components, it is important to brush the entire mouth, not just the teeth.
Brushing teeth twice a day for at least two minutes using fluoride toothpaste can help eliminate plaque and bacteria from teeth and prevent cavities. It also strengthens them by providing the minerals your teeth require. Mouthwash can aid in bacterial eradication and breath freshening, but brushing and flossing should still be done.
Visit a dentist.
To fully protect your teeth, it is important to visit the dentist on a regular basis. Even though maintaining regular oral hygiene can considerably lower the risk of enamel erosion, plaque can still develop on the surface.
Frequent dental check-ups can help diagnose and treat oral disorders early on, before they become more serious. Regular dental cleanings and checkups can help you maintain good oral hygiene, protect your teeth, and eliminate plaque that has hardened and become too difficult to remove by brushing.
Be mindful of your diet
Eating sugary and acidic foods and beverages increases the risk of tooth erosion and decay. Consume high-calcium foods to strengthen your bones and teeth. Drinking plenty of water can also help rinse away bacteria and food residue from the mouth and encourage the production of saliva, which can help counteract acid and stop tooth decay.
Stop smoking
Smoking can generally have harmful impacts on dental health. If you smoke, it's crucial to stop and take the necessary precautions to protect your gums and teeth.
This includes maintaining good oral hygiene, scheduling routine dental exams, and abstaining from tobacco use. Stopping yourself from smoking can significantly lower the risk of oral disorders because smoking can lead to oral cancer and gum disease.
Key Takeaways
World Oral Health Day is observed to promote awareness of the value of oral health and its connection to general health and wellbeing. This celebration urges people to follow healthy oral hygiene habits and take proper care of their teeth and gums.
By adopting a healthy lifestyle and selecting a well-balanced diet high in fruit and vegetables and low in sweets, we encourage everyone to take control of their oral health. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to maintain optimum oral hygiene.
Keep in mind that good oral health is crucial for general health and well-being. You may keep a healthy and attractive smile for a long time by practicing proper oral hygiene, visiting the dentist regularly, and getting treatment for any oral health issues.