World Oral Health Day

World Oral Health Day

Spring is when a lot of oral hygiene related themes are celebrated. We have National (United States) Dentist Day on March 6th where we celebrate all the men and women that keep our pearly whites healthy, strong and smile worthy.

On March 20th, we celebrate WORLD ORAL HEALTH DAY, where we join worldwide to spread awareness of oral hygiene, the importance of having your teeth checked by professionals and to help those in need of oral hygiene medical attention.

Oral disease is important to be treated. It not only burdens patients with pain and discomfort, but it can also lead to low self-esteem and lack of self-confidence.

History

World Oral Health Day was first declared in 2007 and was originally celebrated on 12 September - the birth date of FDI founder Dr Charles Godon. However, the campaign was not fully activated until 2013, after the date was changed to 20 March to avoid conflict with the FDI World Dental Congress taking place in September.

The new date was chosen to reflect 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 0 dental cavities.

• Expressed on a numerical basis this can be translated as 3/20 hence March 20.