Oral Health is very important. Good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups – and by self-managing oral disease risk factors – smoking, alcohol, sugar, etc you will have healthy teeth. Oral Health Day is celebrated all over the world on 20th March aimed at increasing awareness for oral health as well as the impact of oral diseases on general health, well being and economy.
About 90% of the world’s population will suffer from oral diseases in their lifetime. They range from caries, periodontal diseases and tooth decay to oral cancer. 60% – 90% of school children worldwide have dental caries. Only 60% of the world’s population enjoys access to oral health care. Toothache is the number one reason for absenteeism form school in any countries.
Many of these diseases can be avoided with increased governmental, health association and society support and funding for prevention, detection and treatment programmes. Although the burden of oral diseases is decreasing in developed countries, gum complications are becoming more common, especially in older people. Major risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use and a diet high in fat, salt and sugar contribute to a range of chronic diseases including oral diseases.
Prevention is better than cure :
If you think about it, it makes perfect sense: poor oral health is linked to poor physical health. Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body and its systems. If the mouth has a chronic infection or disease, then your entire body may be indirectly or directly exposed to the bacterial infection. Your ability to eat is then compromised as also your nutrition.
Furthermore, the resources needed for your general health to function will be diverted to handle the chronic infection, weakening the overall natural protection your other systems typically enjoy. Research studies document connections between gum disease and cardiovascular ailments, resulting in increased risk of stroke, diabetes, problem pregnancies, respiratory diseases and osteoporosis in women. What’s more, some studies indicate that those who lose all of their natural teeth may have a much shorter life span.
Also Read: Dental health concerns during pregnancy
March 20th World Oral Health Day:
World Oral Health Day is celebrated all over the world on 20th March to develop activities and initiatives aimed at increasing awareness for oral health as well as the impact of oral diseases on general health, well being and economy. Initially September 12th corresponded to the birthday of FDI founder Charles Goden was celebrated as world oral health day. This decision and celebration started in the year 2007 during FDI annual world dental congress at Dubai. However, in the year 2013 for administrative reasons, the date was shitted to March 20th every year.
It is the primary duty and social responsibility of every dentist and any other oral health care provider to raise the oral health issues so that government, health associations and the general public can work together to achieve healthier mouths, and happier lives. We all know most of the oral diseases can be prevented very easily by avoiding tobacco products, opting for healthy life style and avoiding junk foods. If not, identify these diseases at the early stage itself and aiming for primary prevention is always better as the old proverb says “prevention is better than cure”.
The event is observed to spread the message of the benefits of a healthy mouth and to promote worldwide awareness of the issues around oral health. It’s the recognition as paramount of the importance of maintaining oral hygiene for everyone old and young. It is a day for people to have fun a day that should be full of activities that make us laugh, sing and smile. The World Oral Health Day offers dental and oral health community a platform to take action and help reduce the global diseases burden.
“It all starts here. Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body”. It aims to get everyone to recognise the impact of oral health on their overall physical health and well being. Good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups – and by self-managing oral disease risk factors – smoking, alcohol, sugar, etc you will have healthy teeth.
Dr.Muralee Mohan Choonthar
Consultant Maxillo Facial Surgeon, Suraksha Dental Clinic,
Hosangadi Manjeshwara – 671323,
Kasaragoad, Kerala.
Mob: 9845135787
