What Is World Oral Health Day And Why Is it Important?

Oral hygiene is a very serious issue, with around 3.5 billion people around the world affected by oral diseases. Most oral diseases are progressive health conditions that develop slowly over time. Early intervention is key to avoiding serious issues like tooth decay.

But how do we spread awareness about basic hygiene techniques and ways to prevent oral disease? World Oral Health Day was founded over ten years ago to raise global awareness regarding oral health. This year, it falls on Sunday, 20th of March.

This guide will discuss everything you need to know about the annual event and the ways justSMILE is promoting good oral hygiene habits.

What Is World Oral Health Day?

World Oral Health Day (WOHD) was founded on September 12, 2007, by the FDI World Dental Federation. The original date of the annual holiday was on the birthday of the FDI founder, Dr. Charless Godon.

The campaigns surrounding the holiday weren’t completely activated until 2013. The date was changed to 20th March so there wasn’t any conflict with the FDI World Dental Congress that takes place in September.

The date of 20th March was chosen because:

• Children need to have 20 baby teeth.
• Seniors need to have 20 of their natural teeth when they pass to be thought of as healthy.
• A healthy adult needs to have 32 teeth and zero cavities.
• Those concepts expressed in a numerical way can be translated to 20/3, resulting in 20th of March.

World Oral Health Day has evolved over time. It’s now recognized by patients and dentists in over 70 countries around the world. The holiday is one of the most important health causes in our time.

Each year the holiday has a specific theme. For example, in 2020, the theme was “Say Ahh: Unite for Mouth Health.”

The FDI World Dental Federation announced a three-year theme that started in 2021. The theme that runs through 2023 is “Be Proud of Your Mouth.”

While World Oral Health Day is a global phenomenon, healthcare practitioners and dentists typically promote the day within their own communities. They’ll work alongside local groups to connect with community members about their oral hygiene plan.

Why Is It Important?

Our mouths are a massage for a variety of things. These items include:

• Food
• Germs
• Essential nutrients
• Bacteria

No matter your age, it’s important to look after your oral health. There are many oral diseases a person can suffer from that can negatively affect our health.

Due to a large number of people suffering from oral diseases throughout their life, the dental experts behind World Oral Health Day have determined that there is a lack of basic dental hygiene habits getting established during a person’s childhood. It might not seem like a major problem if there is a lapse in your oral health. However, if bad habits are left unnoticed or incorrect, a small issue can evolve into a larger problem.

What Are Common Oral Health Problems?

What oral issues can arise if bad oral hygiene habits are left unnoticed? Oral diseases tend to grow slowly but become very bad when they’re in their late stages.

Some common oral health problems include:

• Bad Breath: Caused by dry mouth, gum diseases, cavities, or an excess of bacteria.
• Tooth Decay: Excessive bacteria cause your tooth or teeth to deteriorate.
• Gingivitis: Minor or introductory type of gum disease.
• Periodontal Disease: Gum disease in its advanced stage.
• Oral Cancer: Aggressive form of cancer that might have fatal consequences.

How to Commemorate World Oral Health Day?

Looking for what to do on World Oral Health Day? There are several steps you can take to promote the holiday and increase your overall oral health.

Visit Your Local Dentist

Making regular appointments with your dentist isn’t just about maintenance. These checkups are key to preventing serious oral health issues. They’ll also save you money and time in the future.

Your dentist can notice diseases in their early stages. They can also help you establish healthy oral hygiene habits.

Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day

Brushing your teeth is a great step to keeping your teeth clean between visits to your dentist. You should brush twice a day for two minutes each time. You should floss your teeth as well.

Protect Your Teeth

Dental sealants are an effective and safe coating that sticks to your back teeth where you’d normally chew. They can help prevent tooth decay. You can also wear mouthguards at night and during sports to protect your teeth.

Incorporate a Healthy Diet

What you eat plays a part in the health of your body, gums, and teeth. Sugar can cause cavities. The acid produced by sugar can result in holes in your teeth’s enamel.

Eating healthy foods that are high in calcium can improve the strength of your teeth.

How Is justSMILE Promoting WOHD?

At justSMILE, we encourage our patients to visit us twice a year for routine dental exams. Our general dental services are key to improving your body’s overall health.

Our preventative services include professional teeth cleanings and x-rays. We also offer a preventative dental plan where we give you instructions on how to take care of your teeth and gums at home.

While our goal is to prevent oral health issues before they arise, we know that isn’t always the case. We offer a variety of restorative services to help bring your healthy smile back. Once we’ve remedied the oral health issues in your mouth, we’ll move on to the preventative dental plan to avoid any future problems.

Whether you’re a new patient or have been one for several years, don’t skip a routine dental checkup. Schedule one with justSMILE today.

Make an Appointment for a General Dental Checkup

There’s no better way to celebrate World Oral Health Day than by making an appointment for a dental checkup. Avoid serious dental issues by having your teeth and gums examined by one of Sydney’s most experienced dentists in the area.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a routine dental exam.