World Oral Health Day - March 20
World Oral Health Day is a global observance holiday celebrated annually on March 20. The day was created to spread awareness about good oral hygiene. The holiday is sponsored and marketed by F.D.I. World Dental Federation, the day has presented itself as a flagship forum to discuss and talk about dental care and oral hygiene. On this day, dentists and oral Hygienists use various platforms to educate people on achieving good oral hygiene and expanding on different treatments.
The theme for 2021 to 2023 sends out a simple but powerful message: Be Proud Of Your Mouth. In other words, value and take care of it.
History of World Oral Health Day
Oral health has a long history. According to the American Dental Association, records suggest the presence of oral health specialists in Egypt in approximately 2600 B.C. Between 500 B.C. and 300 B.C. in Greece, philosopher Aristotle and physician Hippocrates wrote about various aspects of oral health, including tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth extraction.
Ancient Egyptian and Chinese texts have revealed that cultures have maintained the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene for decades now. From using primitive tools like porcupine quills, fish bones, or feathers to slightly advanced use of tree barks, In one form or the other, oral health has been essential in all cultures.
In China, by the 1400s, the people started making bristles plucked from cold climate pigs, fixed them to some bone or wood, and used them as toothbrushes. During the same time in Europe, salt was mixed in a solution of brandy and water, and it was used to rinse clean the mouth, and then some sponge was used to rub the teeth to remove anything stuck between the teeth.
So, in one way or the other, as advancements were made in oral health, there were also cases of a majority of people who did not care about oral hygiene. Diseases began to emerge for which there was no cure. Traditional herbs were used to manage the ailments, but it was not until 1880 that nurses started providing prophylaxis treatment to prevent disease.
Dentists emerged shortly after with specific dental techniques that were used to treat dental and oral conditions. Federation Dentaire International (F.D.I.) has been the most vocal force behind spreading oral health awareness. In their hundred-plus years of existence, the group has promoted and emphasized the importance of oral health and hygiene.
Their campaign to spread awareness on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene bore fruit in 2013 when the first global-scale day was announced to celebrate World Oral Health Day.
Since 2013, every year’s Oral Health Day has followed a specific theme.
The first theme was Healthy Teeth for Healthy Life, and similarly, 2014 had its unique theme. These themes have centered around a specific message for the year. They are building awareness in people gradually but consistently so that they start giving importance to oral hygiene.
Facts About Oral Health That You Need To Know
Not caring about your oral hygiene can make your overall existence difficult. It will not only cause pain and disease but also prevent you from being socially confident. Oral hygiene is a very neglected topic for many people. Just because problems are not surfacing, they stay ignorant towards the importance of maintaining oral hygiene and then suffer from diseases.
A newborn child is toothless, and only they look cute when they smile without teeth, not adults. Not caring for teeth will not only make you look odd when tooth decay or loss set in but also make eating, talking, and smiling difficult.
- 2.3 billion suffer from tooth decay. Oral diseases affect 3.5 billion people globally, of which 90% of the ailments belong to tooth decay.
- Oral health is not just teeth and mouth. Many people believe that oral health pertains to teeth only, however, this is incorrect as oral health refers to the head, face, and oral cavity.
- The two most deadly contributors to bad oral health are tobacco and sugar.
- Maintaining good oral health is crucial to maintaining overall good health.
Smart Actions For Your Dental Health
To celebrate healthy smiles and laughs across the globe, the American Dental Association put together some smart choices you can make for a lifetime of dental health.
Visit Your Dentist
This one’s a no-brainer. Regular trips to your dentist are about more than just maintenance; they are an important preventative measure that will save you time and money down the road. Your dentist can catch early signs of disease, help you develop healthy habits, and be a vital part of your care team if you have an overall medical condition or are pregnant.
Brush and Clean Between Your Teeth Daily
Healthy habits like brushing and cleaning between your teeth go a long way in preventing cavities and keeping a healthy smile. Remember to brush for two minutes, twice a day. Look for toothbrushes, toothpaste, and flossing tools with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. If you need help getting your kids to brush their teeth, or need help breaking bad brushing habits, ask your dentist for advice.
Protect Your Smile
Prevent damage to your pearly whites throughout the day and while you play. Sealants are a safe and effective coating that adheres to the chewing surface of your back teeth. They’ve been shown to reduce the risk of tooth decay by nearly 80% in back molars (the teeth you use most to chew). Mouthguards can protect your teeth during contact sports.
Practice Healthy Nutrition Habits
What you put in your mouth affects your general health and that of your teeth and gums. Sugar can be a cavity culprit because it gives the cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth something to feed on. Once this happens, acid is produced that can cause holes to form in your enamel. Good nutrition shows as well. Healthy foods that contain calcium can strengthen your teeth. Discover foods that are good for your dental health, and strategies to cut sugary snacking for kids.
Drink Water From the Tap
The healthiest beverage for your teeth is water—especially if it’s fluoridated. Studies show drinking water with fluoride can help prevent tooth decay by at least 25%. Learn more about water fluoridation and why water is the best drink for your teeth.
Know What to Look for at Every Stage of Life
With the proper care, your teeth can last you a lifetime. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, clean between your teeth once a day, eat a healthy diet and see your dentist regularly. Although different ages and stages in life may require different types of care, good dental health is possible whether you’re 8 or 80. Discover resources for taking care of your teeth at every age.
Sources:
https://www.fdiworlddental.org/get-ready-world-oral-health-day-2022-campaign
https://www.worldoralhealthday.org/campaign-theme-2021-2023
https://www.worldoralhealthday.org/
https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/dental-history
https://crest.com/en-us/oral-care-tips/oral-hygiene/history-dental-hygiene#Events
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/world-oral-health-day-slideshow