World Oral Health Day 2025

Dr Reyosalu Lase Vizo
Kohima

World Oral Health Day is a Global Healthcare Event observed every year on March 20 which was initiated by the FDI World Dental Federation to raise awareness on the importance of oral hygiene and the factors that have contributed to oral diseases and the impact oral health can have on overall general health of an individual.

The campaign has grown over the years with the Dental Associations, Health Care Organizations and Communities worldwide promoting Oral and Dental health through educational initiatives, free dental check-ups and community awareness drives.

Each year, the event follows a specific theme that focuses on different aspects of oral health. This year’s theme, ‘A Happy Mouth Is a Happy Mind’ emphasizes the link between mental health and dental health.  Poor oral health can lead to conditions like cavities, gum diseases and tooth loss which affect confidence, social interactions and overall mental health. Untreated dental problems can also contribute to pain, stress, anxiety and self-consciousness impacting a person’s quality of live.

WHY IS ORAL HEALTH IMPORTANT?

Oral health plays a vital role in overall well-being affecting not just the mouth but also general health. Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to various dental issues that may cause discomfort and impact daily life.

1.    Prevents Dental Diseases: Brushing, flossing and regular dental check-up help prevent common problem like cavities, gum diseases  and bad breath. Untreated dental issues can progress leading to pain, infection and even tooth loss.

2.    Reduces the risk of systematic health problem: Poor oral hygiene has been linked to serious health conditions including heart diseases, diabetes and respiratory infections. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream increasing the risk of inflammation and other complications.

3.    Support Mental and Social well-being: Oral health affects confidence, speech and social interactions. Dental problems such as missing or discolored teeth may lead to self-consciousness and reluctance to smile, impacting mental well-being and quality of life. 

4.    Improves digestion and nutrition: Healthy teeth and gums are essential for proper chewing, which aids in digestion and nutrient absorption. Dental problems can make it difficult to eat a balanced diet leading to nutritional deficiencies.

5.     Good oral hygiene habits established early can prevent severe dental issues later in life. Regular care reduces the need for complex treatments, saving time, money and discomfort in the future.

Oral Hygiene Practices for Strong Teeth and Gums:

•     Simple daily habits can keep teeth and gums strong, reducing the risk of long-term complications.

•    Brush twice a day:  Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft bristled tooth brush to clean teeth for at least 2 minutes. Brushing before bed is especially important to remove plague and food particles.

•    Floss daily; Flossing removes food debris and plague from between teeth, where a tooth brush cannot reach. This helps prevent gum diseases and cavities.

•    Use Mouth Wash: An antimicrobial or fluoride mouth wash can help reduce bacteria, strengthens enamel and freshens breath.

•    Limit sugary and acidic foods: Excess sugar and acidic foods weakens enamel and contributes to tooth decay. Drinking water after consuming such food can help reduce their impact.

•    Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, keeping the mouth clean and preventing dry mouth, which can increase the risk of cavities.

•    Visit the Dentist regularly: Routine check-ups and professional cleaning help detect and address dental issues early, preventing more problems in the future.

Consistently following these practices will helpmaintain strong teeth and healthy gums, reducing the risk of dental problems over time.

The treatment of oral and dental health conditions is quite expensive and usually is not included in health coverage. Moreover access to quality oral care services is minimal in rural and far flung areas.  In addition, untreated dental problems can lead to discomfort, invasive treatment and even systemic health concerns. Taking consideration of the aforementioned, an awareness of dental and oral health care is very much necessary to avoid problems and their associated complications. 

Therefore World Oral Health Day aims to empower individuals, schools, organizations, communities and professionals with the knowledge, tools and confidence to secure good oral and dental health.

Wishing everyone “A HAPPY WORLD ORAL HEALTH DAY 2025.” 

Dr Reyosalu Lase Vizo is Dy Director (Dental)/ SNO-NOHP at Directorate of Health and Family Welfare; Nagaland, Kohima.