World Oral Health Day – March 20

World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is celebrated globally every year on March 20th. It is organized by FDI World Dental Federation and is the largest global awareness campaign on oral health.

We’d like to help share this year’s ‘Say Ahh: Think Mouth, Think Health’ message for World Oral Health Day.

World Oral Health Day was first declared in 2007 and was originally celebrated on September 12th, which is the birthday of Dr. Charles Gordon, founder of the FDI.

Why is World Oral Health Day now celebrated on March 20th?

The original date to commemorate optimal oral health was switched to March 20th so as to avoid conflict with the FDI World Dental Congress taking place in September.

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

Say Ahh: Think Mouth, Think Health

There is no difference between oral health, and our overall health – they go hand in hand. #OralHealthISOverallHealth

Research has proven that there is an oral-systemic connection between a healthy mouth and overall physical health.

We now know that maintaining a healthy mouth is crucial to maintaining overall health, physical wellness, and quality of life.

The World Oral Health Day message for this year is, ‘Say Ahh: Think Mouth, Think Health.’

A Healthy Mouth Reveals A Health Body

We’ve all heard that the eyes are the window to the soul, but did you know that your mouth is like a mirror to your body?

A healthy mouth reflects a healthy body!

Just as there are several keys to maintaining a healthy body, like adhering to a balanced diet, avoiding bad habits, and leading an active lifestyle, the same keys hold true for healthy teeth and gums.

“A good oral health routine and keeping a healthy lifestyle contributes to a lifetime of general health.”

As the WOHD website stresses, oral maladies and dental disease can have a negative effect on every aspect of your life.

Dental health problems can also negatively impact the rest of the body, most oral diseases share common
risk factors with other diseases.

Your dental health offers clues about the status of your overall health, whether it’s by revealing nutritional deficiencies or eating disorders, oral cancer, and signs of other diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, stroke, breast cancer, and more.

The state of your oral health has an influence on personal relationships, self-confidence, children’s performance in school, and being able to enjoy the foods you love.

Think about it…

● Nobody wants to kiss somebody with chronic bad breath
● If you’re confident with your smile, you’ll smile more
● Children’s dental health issues have been responsible for kids missing more than 51 million school hours
● Having to deny yourself the types of foods you love because of dentures is no fun

6 Keys to Optimal Oral & Overall Health

Oral health is connected to overall health and wellness.

Some of the most common risk factors contributing to oral health and overall health issues include an unhealthy diet (particularly one high in sugar), smoking & smokeless tobacco use, and irresponsible alcohol intake.

As the video highlights, following these six keys to maintaining a healthy mouth, and a healthy body will set you up for a lifetime of optimal oral and overall health:

1. Eat a healthy, balanced diet – one low in sugar
2. Exercise regularly
3. Drink alcohol in moderation
4. Don’t smoke or use smokeless tobacco
5. Brush #2min2x a day & floss every day
6. See your dentist for an exam & cleaning every 6 months

Maintaining optimal oral and overall health is not difficult, by avoiding risk factors, adopting diligent daily dental hygiene habits, and seeing your dentist on the regular will help protect your mouth and body for a lifetime.

It’s never too early or too late to start looking after your mouth; your body will thank you.

Go share this ‘Say Ahh: Think Mouth, Think Health’ World Oral Health Day message with everyone you know!

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