Dr Meribeni Odyuo
Jt Director & SPO (NOHP), H&FW Nagaland
Every year on March 20, World Oral Health Day is commemorated. It emphasizes the importance of excellent oral health, raises knowledge concerning oral illnesses and encourages proper dental hygiene.
Dental health is just as crucial as overall wellness. It aids in the preservation of a healthier mouth, gums and teeth. Also it aids in the enhancement of your physical attractiveness. Poor dental health may contribute to a plethora of serious health issues including cardiovascular disease, obesity, strokes, respiratory difficulties and preterm deliveries in expectant mothers.
World Oral Health Day was first declared in 2007 by FDI (Federation Dentaire Internationale) World Dental Association and was originally celebrated on September 12 -the birth date of FDI founder Dr Charles Godon. However, the campaign was not fully activated until 2013, after the date was changed to March 20 to avoid conflict with the FDI World Dental Congress taking place in September and the date has remained the same till date.
Last year, we launched our three-year campaign theme: “Be Proud of Your Mouth”. Be Proud of Your Mouth is not about just having a perfect mouth; it is about having a healthy one. We want people to value and take care of their oral health and to make the right decisions to protect it.
In 2021, under the theme “Be proud of your mouth”, we encouraged action by focusing on the importance of oral health for overall health.
In 2022, under the same theme, we are highlighting the fact that an unhealthy mouth can severely impact every aspect of life. That’s why, we are calling upon people to: LOOK AFTER YOUR ORAL HEALTH FOR YOUR HAPPINESS AND WELL-BEING. Because the goal of a happy life unites us all.
World Oral Health Day (WOHD): Crucial Messages
Preventing, detecting and treating oral illnesses early are critical to limiting their influence on the entire of your body’s health.
1. Eat a healthy, low sugar diet: Consuming too much sugar in the form of sweetened beverages, snacks and processed meals leads to tooth damage (dental caries), obesity and diabetes.
2. Initiate a plan to improve your dental health: Diets rich in sugar and other factors associated, such as tobacco use are to blame for most cases of tooth decay.
3. Maintain a consistent oral hygiene regimen: Dental decay and gum disease, for example may have a negative effect on many aspects of one’s life, from personal relationships and self confidence to academic performance and the capacity to work and learn with other people. However, oral illnesses are prevented if a proper oral hygiene regimen is followed everyday which includes brushing for two minutes, twice a day, with a fluoride toothpaste and remember to change the toothbrush every 3 months.
4. Protect your mouth when you are on the go: Chewing sugar free gum is proven to benefit dental health as it help neutralize the acids in plague present in the mouth.
5. Learn how to take care of your teeth and gums (especially children): Tooth decay and gaps in your teeth may be caused by bacteria in your mouth and teeth, therefore taking care of them are critical.
6. Visit the Dentist regularly: Schedule regular dental checkups and contact your dentist as soon as an oral health problem arises. Taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health.
World Oral Health Day provides a platform to make a difference to the lives of people everywhere. Poor oral health affects nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide and has far reaching consequences, yet people tend not to realise the severe impact an unhealthy mouth can have on their life. It can cause significant pain and suffering, affecting what you eat, how you speak and how you feel about yourself, leading to an impaired quality of life.
On World Oral Health Day 2022, we are asking everyone to make meaningful action to help end the neglect of global oral health.
People: We want people to make the best decisions for their mouths and encourage them to practice a good oral hygiene routine.
Schools and Youth Groups: We want schools to integrate oral health into lessons and help empower children to practice healthy behaviours, now and in the future.
Governments and Policymakers: We want decision makers to champion better oral health for all, and to drive sustainable change and progress. FDI World Dental Federation drives World Oral Health Day to bring together the world of dentistry and achieve optimal oral health for everyone. Governments and policymakers play a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of good oral health for their citizen’s happiness and well-being, and the policy makers commitment is key to driving action and policy to achieve Vision 2030: “Delivering Optimal Oral Health for All”.
I believe that through individual action combined with government-driven population-wide strategies, good oral health and general health can be secured.
• It is time to stop brushing oral health aside.
• Let’s remember that to have a healthy body you need to have a healthy mouth &
• A healthy living starts with healthier mouth
