World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is commemorated annually on 20 March in order to support the improvement of oral health world wide. WOHD focused to highlight the importance of oral health for a healthy body. The aim is to provide an occasion for global, regional and national activities related to oral health.
''Live MOUTH SMART'' #WOHD17
World Oral Health Day was launched in 2013 to raise awareness of the importance of good oral health and its significance in safeguarding general health and well-being. This is done through an international awareness campaign created and launched by FDI World Dental Federation, adapted and promoted locally by national dental associations in over 140 countries worldwide.
WOHD was officially launched in 2007 and was originally celebrated on 12 September, the birth date of FDI founder Dr Charles Godon. However, the campaign was not fully activated until 2013, when further to a decision by FDI’s General Assembly (governing body) in September 2012 the date was changed to 20 March. The main reason for this being to avoid conflict with FDI’s World Dental Congress which took place during the same period.
The new date was chosen to reflect that:
- Seniors must have a total of 20 natural teeth at the end of their life to be considered healthy
- Children should possess 20 baby teeth
- Healthy adults must have a total of 32 teeth and 0 dental cavities
- Expressed on a numerical basis this can be translated as 3/20 hence March 20
How can you Live Mouth Smart?
Protect your oral health through life
Practice smart oral hygiene Your mouth is important at all ages. A healthy mouth free of oral disease can be maintained by making smart choices when it comes to your oral hygiene, diet and lifestyle habits:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day using either a manual or electric toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste
- Don't rinse with water straight after brushing, spit out any excess toothpaste instead
- Eat a healthy diet, with limited snacking of foods and drinks high in sugar
- Quit tobacco use
- Limit your alcohol consumption
- Wear a mouthguard when engaging in contact sports How can you Live Mouth Smart?
- Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash or chew sugar-free gum after meals and snacks when brushing isn't possible
- Visit your dentist or primary healthcare provider regularly for check-ups and cleanings Cleaning between teeth using floss or other interdental cleaners can also be beneficial to oral health.