World Oral Health Day 2023: ‘Be Proud of Your Mouth’

Today is March 20th, which means it’s World Oral Health Day! This is a special day to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of oral health for our overall well-being.

The World Oral Health Day theme for 2021-2023 is “Be Proud of Your Mouth”. This theme aims to empower people with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to secure good oral health and to make the right decisions to protect it.

What is World Oral Health Day?

World Oral Health Day is an initiative of the World Dental Federation (FDI), the largest international organization representing dentists worldwide. The FDI launched World Oral Health Day in 2007 to highlight the impact of oral diseases on individuals, health systems and economies. The date of March 20 was chosen because it symbolizes 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 zero dental cavities

 

The theme of World Oral Health Day 2023 is ‘Be Proud of your Mouth’. Health direct has dental care and dental visits tips for you to share with your families: https://t.co/EX34NvwvCQ pic.twitter.com/riSCg7TYpL

— ACECQA (@ACECQA) March 20, 2023

 

Why is oral health important?

Oral health is not just about having a beautiful smile or avoiding bad breath. It is also about preventing and treating oral diseases that can affect our quality of life, such as tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, mouth ulcers, and tooth loss. According to the FDI, more than 3.5 billion people suffer from oral diseases worldwide, making them among humans’ most common health problems.

Oral health is also closely linked to our general health and well-being. Poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory infections. On the other hand, good oral hygiene can help prevent or manage these conditions by reducing inflammation and infection.

Moreover, oral health significantly impacts our social and emotional well-being. Having a healthy mouth can boost our self-esteem, confidence, and happiness. It can also improve our communication skills, relationships, and career opportunities.

How can we be proud of our mouth?

Being proud of our mouth means caring for it at every stage of life. It also means being aware of the factors that can harm our oral health and avoiding them as much as possible. Here are some tips on how we can be proud of our mouths:

– Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes
– Floss your teeth daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth
– Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after eating or drinking sugary or acidic foods or beverages
– Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleaning
– Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products and lean proteins
– Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated and wash away bacteria
– Avoid tobacco products, excessive alcohol consumption and illicit drugs that can damage your teeth and gums
– Wear a mouthguard when playing sports or engaging in activities that may cause trauma to your mouth
– Seek immediate dental care if you experience any signs or symptoms of oral problems such as pain, swelling, bleeding or sensitivity

## What are some quotes to inspire us on World Oral Health Day?

Here are some quotes from famous people that can inspire us to value and take care of our oral health:

“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.” – Phyllis Diller

“She laughs at everything you say. Why? Because she has fine teeth.” – Benjamin Franklin

“Blessed are those who can hold lively conversations with the helplessly mute,
for they shall be called dentists.” – Ann Landers

“Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth.” – Mallory Hopkins

“An aching tooth is better out than in.
To lose a rotting member is a gain.” – Richard Baxter

Conclusion

World Oral Health Day allows us to celebrate our mouth and appreciate its role in our overall health and happiness. B

y following good oral hygiene habits, avoiding harmful behaviors, and accessing dental services when needed, we can be proud of our mouths and enjoy their benefits.