World Health Day 20th March

World Oral Health Day is an international day celebrated on 20th March every year.

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.

Why Oral Health is Important?:

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.