Oral health plays a pivotal role in the overall health and well-being of an individual. As per WHO, Oral Health is the state of the mouth, teeth, and orofacial structures that aids individuals to perform vital functions such as eating, speaking, and breathing and includes psychosocial dimensions like self-confidence, well-being and the ability to work and socialize without pain, embarrassment, and discomfort. Maintaining oral health and hygiene is a lifelong commitment that entails practicing proper oral hygiene habits like brushing, flossing, regular dental check-ups, and reducing sugar consumption in the diet. Practicing proper oral hygiene habits would help bring down the incidence of people experiencing dental problems that include conditions like tooth decay, gum diseases, tooth erosion, dental pain, and other oral infections and conditions.
What Is Oral Health Day-
On 20th March every year, World Oral Health Day is observed to spread awareness about oral health and hygiene amongst people worldwide to ensure healthier mouths and smiles and subsequently healthier life. The aim of World Oral Health Day is to promote oral health by spreading awareness about the importance of dental problems and illness, associated risk factors and encouraging proper oral hygiene.
History of World Oral Health Day-
The declaration of World Oral Health Day took place in 2007 on 12th September, the same day as the birthdate of FDI founder, Dr. Charles Godon. However, the campaign was not fully functioning until the year 2013 when the date was changed to 20th March 2013 by the FDI World Dental Federation. The new date was chosen as a reflection that-
• In order to be considered healthy, seniors must retain a total of 20 natural teeth at the end of their life.
• Children must have 20 baby teeth.
• Healthy adult individuals should have a total of 32 teeth with 0 dental cavities in the mouth
• When expressed on the numerical basis, this translates and reflects as 3/20 henceforth, the date March 20.
Theme Of World Oral Health Day-
The theme of World Oral Health Day for the year 2021- 2023 is "Be Proud Of Your Mouth" which in other words equate to value your oral health the take good care of your mouth. According to The FDI World Dental Federation, Be Proud of Your Mouth is about having a healthy mouth not about having a perfect one. This is a powerful call to action that urges people to value and take care of their oral health.
The theme of the campaign for 2023 urges people to focus on the importance of caring for their mouths at every stage of life. Because oral health plays a significant role at every stage and age of life.
Celebration Of World Oral Health Day-
Dental associations across the world, dental health professionals, dentists, dental interns, and students organize free oral screenings, oral cancer screenings, and oral health seminars. Many dentists conduct oral health camps, oral health drives, and toothbrush drives as well as provide free dental services to low and middle-income populations. This day is launched to spread awareness about oral health in the public and prevent oral diseases and illness by putting in action early preventive screenings, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.
6 ways to maintain your Oral Health-
World Oral Health Day aims to promote oral health by
Incorporating a well-balanced diet with low sugar and high fiber, fruits, and vegetables.
Stop using all forms of tobacco.
Reduce the consumption of alcohol.
Maintain a consistent oral hygiene regimen.
Use a fluoride-containing toothpaste twice a day to brush your teeth.
Incorporate regular dental checkups in the schedule.
(MSM)
