World Oral Health Day

Ashwini Kumar Choubey addressing at the release of the Manuals on Oral Health Promotion for school teachers and health workers, on the occasion of World Oral Health Day, in New Delhi

World Oral Health Day is an international day celebrated globally every year on March 20 to highlight the importance of oral health for a healthy body and to promote messages about good oral hygiene practices among the general public, health professionals, and policymakers. The day aims to raise awareness about oral health issues, encourage the adoption of good oral hygiene practices, and facilitate the development of policies that help prevent oral diseases and improve oral health worldwide.

Background

World Oral Health Day was first declared by the Fédération Dentaire Internationale (FDI World Dental Federation) in 2007, and the first celebration took place in 2013. The date, March 20, was chosen to reflect the significance of the number 20 in oral health: children should possess 20 baby teeth, adults should have 32 teeth and 0 dental cavities, symbolizing the ideal state of oral health that the campaign aims to promote.

Themes

Each year, World Oral Health Day is celebrated under a specific theme chosen by the FDI World Dental Federation. These themes are designed to focus on various aspects of oral health, from the importance of oral hygiene and the impact of oral diseases on overall health to the connection between oral health and aging. For example, the theme for 2021 was "Be Proud of Your Mouth," emphasizing the importance of valuing and taking care of one's oral health for overall well-being.

Activities and Impact

On World Oral Health Day, a wide range of activities takes place globally, including free dental check-ups, oral health education sessions, seminars, and workshops. These activities are organized by dental professionals, healthcare organizations, schools, and communities. The aim is to educate people about the best practices for maintaining good oral hygiene, the importance of regular dental check-ups, and the impact of a healthy diet on oral health.

Governments and health organizations also use this day to launch policies and programs aimed at improving oral health care services and accessibility. The global observance of this day plays a crucial role in highlighting the burden of oral diseases and the need for proactive oral health care practices.

Significance

Oral diseases, such as tooth decay, gum diseases, oral cancer, and oral infections, pose significant health burdens worldwide. They can lead to pain, discomfort, disfigurement, and even death. World Oral Health Day serves as a reminder of the importance of oral health in maintaining general health and well-being. It encourages individuals to adopt preventive oral health behaviors and supports the integration of oral health into global public health systems.

Conclusion

World Oral Health Day plays a pivotal role in global health by focusing attention on the importance of oral hygiene and encouraging the adoption of policies that support oral health. Through education, awareness campaigns, and the promotion of good oral health practices, this day contributes to the reduction of oral diseases and the improvement of quality of life for people around the world.