- It objective to raise awareness about the importance of oral health and its impact on overall well-being.
- By raising awareness and encouraging action, World Oral Health Day plays a crucial role in promoting better oral health practices and reducing the burden of oral diseases worldwide.
World Oral Health Day is observed every year on March 20. Its objective is to raise awareness about the importance of oral health and its impact on overall well-being.
This year's theme is "Happy mouth is a happy body."
According to the World Health Organization, globally, oral diseases affect an estimated 3.5 billion people worldwide.
Initially, the Oral Health Day was celebrated on September 12 to coincide with the birthday of FDI founder Dr Charles Godon and it was organised by the FDI World Dental Federation.
However, in 2013, the FDI decided to move the date to March 20 to avoid conflict with other events and to align with the international calendar. For the past decade, the day has been celebrated on March 20.
According to WHO between 1990 and 2019, estimated case numbers of oral diseases increased by more than 1 billion, which translates to a 5o per cent increase, higher than the population increase of about 45 per cent in the same period.
World Oral Health Day targets individuals, schools, educational institutions, youth and policymakers to promote good oral health for all.
According to WHO these are some of the reasons for celebrating World Oral Health Day.
Raising awareness
World Oral Health Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of oral health and its impact on overall well-being.
Preventive focus
The day emphasizes preventive measures such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
Prevention is key to maintaining good oral health and preventing common oral diseases such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancers.
Reducing oral disease burden
By promoting good oral hygiene practices and encouraging regular dental visits, World Oral Health Day aims to reduce the prevalence of oral diseases globally.
Encouraging healthy behaviors
The campaigns and activities associated with World Oral Health Day motivate people to adopt healthier behaviours related to oral hygiene and diet.
These behaviours not only benefit oral health but also contribute to better overall health and well-being.
Empowering individuals
By providing information and resources on oral health, World Oral Health Day empowers individuals to take control of their oral health and make informed decisions about their dental care.
This empowerment can lead to improved self-care practices and greater engagement with dental healthcare services.
Community engagement
World Oral Health Day brings together dental professionals, policymakers, community leaders, and individuals to collaborate on oral health initiatives.
This collective effort strengthens community engagement and fosters partnerships that can have a positive impact on oral health outcomes at the local, national, and global levels.
Long-term public health impact
While World Oral Health Day is celebrated annually, its messages and initiatives have a long-term impact on public health.
By promoting preventive measures and raising awareness, the day contributes to the long-term reduction of oral diseases and improvements in oral health outcomes worldwide.