World Oral Health Day 2023

World Oral Health Day, which is celebrated on March 20th each year, calls on everyone to promise to take good care of their teeth. Almost 4 billion individuals worldwide suffer from dental problems, according to the FDI International Dental Association. Tooth decay that is left untreated is the most common oral health problem. Gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth loss are other common oral health problems in different parts of the world. Between the ages of 65 and 74, 30% of persons lack their natural teeth.

Poor dental health can have an impact on a person’s overall personality. Low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety are all a result of this. Even issues in the workplace, in relationships, and in education can be attributed to poor oral health. Besides hurting aesthetic appearance, poor dental hygiene contributes to a range of health difficulties including cardiovascular disease, dementia, chronic infections, diabetes, pregnancy troubles, and kidney disease.

History of World Oral Health Day

Ancient literature from China and Egypt shows that cultures have long recognized the value of keeping proper dental hygiene. Many societies have prioritized oral health in some way, whether it is through the use of simple tools like fish bones, feathers, or porcupine quills or more sophisticated ones like tree bark.

By the 1400s, bristles were being made in China from pigs raised in cold climates, attached to bone or wood, and used as toothbrushes. In Europe about the same period, salt was dissolved in a brandy and water solution and used to rinse the mouth before rubbing the teeth with a sponge to remove any food particles stuck between them.

Consequently, in one way or another, there were instances of the majority of people not caring about mouth hygiene as advances in oral health were made. There started to appear diseases for which no treatment was available. Traditional herbal remedies were employed to cure illnesses, but it wasn’t until 1880 that nurses began giving prophylactic care to stave against illness.

Soon later, dentists with particular dental procedures began to treat dental and oral diseases. The most prominent advocate for raising awareness of oral health is Federation Dentaire International (F.D.I.). The organization has promoted and stressed the value of oral health and cleanliness during its more than 100 years of existence.

When the first World Oral Health Day was declared in 2013, their drive to raise awareness of the significance of maintaining proper oral hygiene succeeded.

Since 2013, the theme for Oral Health Day has changed every year.

Healthy Teeth for a Healthy Life was the initial theme, and 2014 featured a special theme as well. These themes have been organized around the year’s main message. People’s knowledge of the need for oral hygiene is being progressively but steadily increased.

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Timeline of Events

Prophylaxis for Dental Infections (1880s)

Prophylaxis is a tool used by dental nurses to diagnose and treat dental infections.

Federation Dentaire International (F.D.I) (1900)

A global organisation is established to standardise dental procedures and conduct cutting-edge research in oral and dental hygiene.

Inaugural Celebrations (2013)

The inaugural World Oral Health Day is observed worldwide.

Be Proud of Your Mouth (2021)

The Global Dental Federation announces a three-year effort to promote optimal oral health on a global scale.

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How to Observe World Oral Health Day?

• Clean your teeth– To start, give yourself a wonderful minty fresh oxygenated mouth for the remainder of the day by brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash.

• Discuss oral hygiene– Speak about the value of maintaining good dental hygiene and help raise awareness. Make inviting others to the cause a trend on social media.

• To get a checkup, see a dentist– Given that you can get discounted rates for a visit today, it would be a fantastic idea to visit a dentist and get your teeth checked.

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Facts About Oral Health

• Globally, 3.5 billion people suffer from oral disorders, with tooth decay accounting for 90% of all illnesses.
• Contrary to popular belief, oral health also extends to the head, face, and oral cavity. Many people think it only concerns teeth.
• Sugar and cigarettes are the two most dangerous oral health hazards.
• Preserving overall health requires maintaining good oral health.
• The F.D.I. started a campaign to persuade people to maintain proper oral hygiene in order to successfully enhance their physical, social, and emotional well-being.

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WHO’s Response

In close cooperation with member states and other important stakeholders, the WHO Oral Health Programme is in charge of developing the global oral health policy agenda. The WHO Oral Health Programme assists nations in implementing this comprehensive policy agenda by:

• Providing direction and assistance to nations in developing and implementing oral health policies; 
• Keeping track of disease prevalence, risk factors, health service utilisation, and other oral health-related health trends;  
• Reviewing new and existing research, including cost-effectiveness studies of oral health interventions to support the establishment of norms and standards.

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FAQs

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