Did you know that 48% of the global population suffers from disabilities related to oral conditions? These problems are serious, but they also are easy to fix, and World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is the perfect time to get them checked out.

But what is WOHD, exactly? What makes it an important day? Read on to answer these questions and to learn why and how you should promote this important day.

What Is World Oral Health Day?

World Oral Health Day takes place every year on the 20th March.

WOHD is organized by the FDI World Dental Federation. This organization combines regular dentistry with the goal of achieving good oral health for all patients. These objectives are meant to benefit both children and adults.

The aim of World Oral Health Day communities is to equip and empower people with the knowledge and understanding needed to maintain good oral health. It also strives to give individuals and communities the tools and confidence that they need to help people keep a healthy mouth.

Why Is It Important?

Of course, World Oral Health Day is critical to your dental health since it motivates you to engage in good dental practices. Dental professionals will talk about the ways that you can take charge of your oral health so that you understand what you need to do. These events can also jog your memory and remind you of good brushing and flossing practices as well as dental visits.

But the importance of maintaining good oral health is more than just a healthy mouth. Oral health is greatly connected to overall health, so promoting it doesn’t just ensure healthier teeth and gums. It ensures a healthier you.

Like all other areas of your body, your mouth is filled with generally harmless (and sometimes healthy!) bacteria. However, your mouth is the entryway to both your respiratory and digestive systems. If you don’t clean your teeth or have unhealthy gums, bad bacteria may also build up and cause disease in other parts of the body.

Studies suggest that some diseases linked to poor oral health may include cardiovascular disease, endocarditis, and pneumonia. Other studies have linked bad oral health to complications with pregnancy and childbirth.

Luckily, understanding how to maintain a healthy mouth can lower your risk of these problems. WOHD is important because it equips people with the tools required to be less vulnerable to serious diseases.

How Dentists Promote WOHD

As dentists, we strive to equip and empower people to take charge of their oral health every day. That’s why we will be continuing our everyday best practices on 20th of March. We also will encourage both existing and new patients to schedule regular checks and cleans.

Additionally, we will continue to provide patients with information on services that can boost their oral health. These services include smile makeovers, Invisalign, and teeth whitening.

Dentists promote WOHD to all of the people that its effects are targeted towards. Some of these communities include:

• Individuals who need to personally act to better their oral health.
• Schools/youth groups that will teach children about oral health (kids and World Oral Health Day are connected because good hygiene practices begin in childhood).
• Other dental and orthodontics professionals as well as the broader healthcare community (so that they can educate their own patients and further the outreach of WOHD).
• Policymakers and other government workers who can lead campaigns that promote better oral health for constituents.

Through online content and emails to patients, we will continue to inform you of the tools and resources that you need to promote your oral health daily. Remember that while WOHD is only a single day, investing in your oral health requires daily commitment!

How Can You Empower Others on WOHD?

Oral health professionals aren’t the only people who can spread the word about World Oral Health Day. You are also capable of empowering others in your social circle and in your community.

One of the best things that you can do this 20th of March is to share content about WOHD on social media. Let people know that the day exists and how they can empower others.

You can share tools and resources from dentists and other oral health professionals. This blog post that you’re currently reading is a great place to start sharing!

You also can volunteer your time and visit a local school to share why good oral health is important. If needed, this can be a virtual meeting. Talk about how kids can brush their teeth, why it’s important to floss, and how healthy eating can promote good dental hygiene.

If you’re not equipped to talk directly to kids, you can still help them. Donate dental supplies to a local non-profit youth organization. You can also take these supplies to homeless shelters since many people who don’t have housing also don’t have access to toothpaste or floss.

Celebrate World Oral Health Day With a Dental Appointment

World Oral Health Day is a great time to think about keeping a healthy mouth and an overall healthy body. Now that you know why the 20th of March is important and meaningful, it’s time to book an appointment.

Our experienced dental staff is committed to providing you with top-notch oral health services on this WOHD. We also would be happy to serve you at any other time, so don’t limit your health to just that one day. Contact our dental office today to schedule a routine cleaning or different procedure that you need to be completed.