World Oral Health Day

20th of March

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According to experts, oral health is one of the fundamental foundations of overall human health. According to official WHO statistics, about 98% of people in the world suffer from inflammatory diseases of periodontal tissue. The incidence of caries is also almost 100%. Based on this, in 2008, the World Dental Federation FDI established World Oral Health Day (WOHD).

In 2017, the Republic of Belarus joins the celebration of World Oral Health Day, adding a new date to the calendar of dental events - March 20.

World Oral Health Day is an international day celebrating the importance of oral health for people of all ages in all countries of the world. This day has already become one of the most important events in world dentistry and is considered the day of proclamation of the core values ​​that every dentist brings to his patients.

The relevance and social significance of WOHD is confirmed by global statistics:

  • 90% of the world's population suffers from oral diseases throughout their lives, ranging from caries and periodontal diseases to cancer.
  • 60-90% of schoolchildren worldwide have carious lesions.
  • Only 60% of the world's population has access to oral care.
  • The incidence of cancer in the maxillofacial area is from 1-10 per 100,000 population in most countries of the world.
  • Oncological diseases of the maxillofacial region rank 8th among the most common forms of cancer and are one of the most expensive types of cancer for treatment and rehabilitation.
  • The risk of developing oral cancer is 15 times higher when two triggers are combined: smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Toothache is the No. 1 reason for school absence in many countries.
  • High sugar consumption is the No. 1 factor in the etiology of dental caries and diabetes.
  • It has been established that most patients avoid dental treatment due to increased anxiety and various fears associated with the upcoming treatment.
  • In developed countries, the incidence threshold is increasing, and inflammatory diseases of periodontal tissue are becoming more common, especially among older people. Major risk factors: Smoking, decreased physical activity and high sugar and salt intake contribute to the development of various chronic diseases, including oral diseases.
  • Oral diseases are associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature birth, low birth weight and other conditions.

The main goal of this day is to draw the attention of residents of the republic to how much dental health means in their lives, to inform about primary prevention measures, and also to help in creating motivation to lead a healthy lifestyle. In terms of maintaining dental health, this is, first of all, training in proper oral care and a focus on timely contacting a dentist at the first symptoms of dental problems, as well as visiting a dentist for preventive purposes. Almost any dental disease is easier to prevent than to treat. It is enough to regularly follow just three simple rules on which all world experience is based: proper oral hygiene, proper nutrition and the use of fluoride.

Proper oral hygiene

It consists of brushing your teeth at home at least twice a day, as well as using additional hygiene products (dental floss, interdental brushes, rinses, denture brushes, etc.). In addition, it is worth carrying out professional oral hygiene.

Balanced diet

One of the most important strategies in maintaining oral health is proper nutrition: what we eat and how often we eat it. If you want to keep your smile beautiful and bright, in addition to daily oral hygiene, you must adhere to a special dental diet. The main requirement is to limit the frequency of carbohydrate consumption. The number of meals should not exceed 5-6 times a day, including 3 main meals and 2 snacks. It is necessary to minimize the consumption of foods that are most dangerous to dental health, such as candies and chocolate, foods high in carbohydrates, carbonated sweet drinks, and alcoholic drinks.

Use of fluorides

Fluoride-containing toothpastes are recommended for constant daily use twice when brushing teeth for the entire population (with age restrictions on the concentration and consumption of the paste for children).

Visit your dentist at least once a year. At the same time, preventive measures will be prescribed and carried out in a timely manner, and, if necessary, dental treatment. Do not put off visiting the dentist if you notice white spots appearing on your teeth. Most often, this is how the initial form of caries manifests itself. Treatment of dental caries in the early stages is painless and most effective, while in advanced cases the tooth often has to be removed.

Following these simple rules will help keep your teeth healthy.

Chief freelance specialist in dentistry of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus AM Matveev