World Oral Health Day

Spotlight on Oral Health

Image via Shutterstock.

World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is an international day that highlights the benefits of a healthy mouth and promotes worldwide awareness of issues around oral health and the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene, no matter what your age.

WOHD is an important day to celebrate as up to 90% of the world's population will suffer from some form of oral disease in their lifetime, many of which can be avoided, according to the World Dental Federation, with “increased governmental, health association and society support and funding for awareness, prevention, detection and treatment programmes”.

WOHD 2014 is all about celebrating healthy smiles, with the World Dental Federation's focus on promoting a good level of oral health for the world's population throughout all stages of life.

Think about it, what are all of the fun things you can enjoy with a healthy mouth: eat, laugh, kiss, whistle, sing, chew, and more!

WOHD is for everyone – just as maintaining good oral health is for everyone, too!

There are major risk factors that contribute to oral disease (and often other diseases too) such as smoking, drinking and a diet that is high in fat, salt and sugar. In order to minimise the risk of developing an oral disease, improving your overall health is the best place to start, so cut out unhealthy habits, eat well and exercise regularly – it is often recommended that you exercise for at least half an hour about five days a week. Other preventative methods include brushing your teeth at least twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and visiting your local dentist on a regular basis.

This years' WOHD focuses on the importance of healthy mouths and teeth in our everyday activities. One of the biggest perpetrators in today's western diet is the horrific amounts of sugar in our modern diets. Read more about sugar and its affects on your dental care in “Rethink Sugar: The Dentist's Point of View”.