What’s this all about? March 20th is celebrated as World Oral Health Day (WOHD). It’s an awareness day that encourages everyone around the world to keep not just their teeth healthy but to maintain the health of their mouth as well. Who decides these things? The FDI- World Dental Federation serves as the principal representative body. …
What’s this all about?
March 20th is celebrated as World Oral Health Day (WOHD). It’s an awareness day that encourages everyone around the world to keep not just their teeth healthy but to maintain the health of their mouth as well.
Who decides these things?
The FDI- World Dental Federation serves as the principal representative body. For more than one million dentists worldwide, developing health policy and continuing education programmes. Speaking as a unified voice for dentistry in global oral health promotion activities
What are they up to this year?
Every year on World Oral Health Day, the FDI launches a campaign for the year to celebrate the benefits of a healthy mouth. Also, to promote worldwide awareness of the issues around oral health and the importance of oral hygiene at all ages.
Why is WOHD Important?
Because 90% of the world’s population will suffer from oral diseases in their lifetime. Many of them can be avoided with increased governmental, health association and society support. Funding for prevention, detection and treatment programmes.
So what is this ‘Say Ahh’ about?
According to the FDI- “Say Ahh is a phrase that is commonly used by dentists and doctors during check-ups. It invites people to open their mouths for examination and brings to life the notion of the mouth serving as a mirror to the body and reflecting overall health. We want people to understand the mouth and body connection. They need to be more informed about the impact of oral health on their general health. The more likely they will be to engage in preventive oral care routines.”-EDOARDO CAVALLE, WOHD TASK TEAM CHAIR.
The 2018 WOHD campaign: ‘Say Ahh: Think Mouth, Think Health’ encourages people to make the connection between their oral health and their general health and well-being.
How can I celebrate world oral health day?
Here are a few tips-
- Schedule a dental checkup – Since the health of your mouth can be a good indicator of your overall health. It is best to get regular checkups. What better day than March 20thto schedule a visit with your dentist to ensure that your mouth and teeth are healthy. Be sure to wish them a happy World Oral Health Day while you are having your checkup!
- Refresh your supplies – You might think you are doing a decent job keeping your teeth clean, but are you really doing enough? Things like cavities, cracked teeth, and even losing teeth can cause major pain. It may even require you to get dentures in the future. Keeping your mouth healthy requires commitment and care, as well as a few simple tools. Since it is World Oral Health Day, why not go to your local pharmacy and pick out a few new supplies? Get yourself a fresh toothbrush, some floss, and maybe even a new mouthwash or rinse if you are so inclined. Equipping yourself with the tools you need to keep your mouth healthy is a great way to make sure you celebrate the holiday right.
- Upgrade your smile – If you already have the basics down, why not go for a little upgrade? Talk to your dentist about teeth whitening solutions that are suitable for you. Or how about that dream smile makeover you always wanted to get? There’s no age limit to dentistry, its never too late!
Conclusion
It is important not to let the health of your mouth be something you only think about every March 20th and then forget about until the next World Oral Health Day. A commitment to oral health is an every day obligation, and one that you really should take seriously no matter how healthy you are or what your age is. A healthy mouth can be a way for your doctors to assess the rest of your health, so make sure you take care of those teeth and gums!
References – https://www.fdiworlddental.org/
