The Mouth is said to be the window into the whole body and every 20th of March we enjoin the
whole world to unite to help reduce the burden of oral diseases which has been known to affect
individuals, health systems and economies everywhere.
World Oral Health Day was established by the FDI World Dental Federation in 2007 as a platform
to promote oral health education and advocacy worldwide.
It is celebrated globally every year on the 20th of March and aims to empower individuals and organizations with necessary knowledge and tools to prevent and control oral diseases.
It also aims to empower them with the
confidence to secure good oral health through appropriate oral health care practices with emphasis
on preventive measures.
As the gateway and mirror of the entire body, it is obvious that maintaining good oral health can help keep the mind and body healthy, as well as prevent against spread of infections.
It is ironic to note that oral diseases which are highly preventable affect 3.5 billion people all
over the world as per WHO.
The theme for WOHD 2024, “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Body” seeks to highlight the intricate relation between oral health and overall wellbeing. It is set to encourage individuals to understand the importance of a healthy happy mouth and the role it plays on all other body systems in order to have individuals who are happy and truly healthy, according to WHO which defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
A lot of oral diseases present with pain, discomfort, disfigurement, social isolation, lack of self esteem, and these are parameters that negatively affect the attainment of a Happy Body.
Some of the instances where oral diseases can negatively impact body systems include:
– Poor oral hygiene can lead to halitosis (which can in turn lead to social isolation, depression
and low self-esteem)
– Infective endocarditis is linked with high incidence of caries
– Studies have shown that people with gum diseases are at a higher risk of developing
cardiovascular disease
– People with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease, and gum disease can make it
harder to control blood sugar levels (Bi-directional relationship)
– Pregnant women with poor oral hygiene and gum disease are more likely to have a
premature birth and a baby with a low birth weight
– Men with gum disease may be more likely to experience erectile dysfunction.
– Loss of teeth may affect proper diet, causing nutritional deficiencies.
Simple ways to maintain a good oral hygiene in order to avoid oral diseases include:
– Brushing twice daily, with a fluoride containing toothpaste and medium toothbrush, to
remove plaque and prevent cavities
– Floss daily, to remove food particles and plaque from in between teeth and along gumline
– Maintain a healthy diet, limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages that can contribute to
tooth decay. Instead, opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and
diary products.
– Schedule regular dental check ups and cleanings with your dentist every six months to
detect and prevent oral health problems early.
– Quit smoking as tobacco use is known to increase the risk of gum disease, oral cancer, and
other oral health issues
– Stay Hydrated; drink plenty of water throughout the day to rinse away food particles,
bacteria, and acids that can lead to tooth decay and bad breath.
By adopting these simple habits and prioritizing oral health, individuals can enjoy a brighter smile,
improved overall health, and a better quality of life.
World Oral Health Day serves as a reminder to make oral health a priority and take proactive steps
to maintain a healthy smile for life.
Thus, we encourage you to use your expertise to create awareness and roll out WOHD in your community.
Whatever you decide to do, however big or small, contributes to improving oral health and overall body health of populations globally.
A HAPPY MOUTH…IS A HAPPY BODY!
JOIN THE MARCH!!!
WORLD ORAL HEALTH DAY, 2024
