World Oral Health Day 2021: Be Proud Of Your Mouth

Background

World Oral Health Day is an initiative of FDI World Dental Federation aims to achieve optimal oral health  for everyone. It was first declared in 2007 and was originally celebrated on 12 September – the birth date of FDI founder Dr Charles Godon. However, the campaign was not fully activated until 2013, after the date was changed to 20 March to avoid conflict with the FDI World Dental Congress taking place in September.

• Recommended Reading: National Oral Health Policy-2070, NEPAL

The growing burden of oral disease demands action on every level: individual, family and community. FDI is confident that simple, targeted action has the power to curb the prevalence of oral diseases and make oral health a personal priority for all.

Objective

The WOHD campaign provides an ideal platform to raise awareness and encourage commitments and action to promote good oral health. By leveraging thoughtfully coordinated efforts at the local, national, and global levels, the voice of the oral health community can be amplified in the lead-up to WOHD every year. World Oral Health Day aims to empower people with the knowledge, tools and confidence to secure good oral health.

Theme

The theme for the next three years sends out a simple but powerful message: Be Proud Of Your Mouth. In other words, value and take care of it.  This year, this day aims to inspire change by focusing on the importance of oral health for overall health, because good oral health can help live a longer, healthier life. And that is something worth taking action for. 

Message & facts

• LOOK AFTER ORAL HEALTH FOR OVERALL HEALTH

Fact: Just like other major diseases, prevention, early detection and treatment of oral diseases is important to stop any negative effects on the rest of your body.

• PROTECT YOUR MOUTH WHILE YOU’RE ON THE GO

Fact: Chewing sugar-free gum is proven to benefit dental health as it helps neutralize plaque acids.

• LEARN GOOD ORAL HEALTH HABITS FROM TOOTHIE (for children)

Fact: It is important to look after your teeth and mouth because germs can cause toothache, tooth decay (dental caries) and holes in your teeth.

• TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR ORAL HEALTH

Fact: Tooth decay (dental caries) is the most common health condition in the world, caused by unhealthy diets high in sugar as well as exposure to other risk factors.

• EAT A BALANCED, LOW-SUGAR DIET

Fact: Eating excessive amounts of sugar from drinks, snacks, and processed foods not only causes tooth decay (dental caries), but also contributes to obesity and increases the risk of diabetes.

• PRACTICE A GOOD ORAL HYGIENE ROUTINE

Fact: Oral diseases, such as tooth decay (dental caries) and gum disease, can impact every aspect of life, from relationships and self-confidence through to school, work and the ability to interact with others. Oral diseases are preventable, though, so it’s important to practice a good oral hygiene routine every day.

• VISIT THE DENTIST REGULARLY

Fact: Oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people and are often linked to other serious health issues. These diseases often lead to pain, discomfort, social isolation, loss of self-confidence, and lost hours at work or school, too.

Source of Info: World Oral Health Day