Seek to increase worldwide awareness of oral health, impact of oral diseases
CHICAGO, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Dental Association (ADA) joins with the FDI World Dental Federation, the worldwide voice of the dental profession, in observance of the second annual "World Oral Health Day" on Saturday, Sept. 12. The purpose of this day is to increase global awareness for oral health, as well as the impact of oral diseases on general health and well-being.
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Throughout the world, dental caries or tooth decay is the most common chronic disease, particularly affecting children and disadvantaged populations. Dental disease results in unnecessary pain and suffering, and missed work or school days. Periodontal or gum diseases have been associated with diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes and other systemic ailments. Untreated tooth decay seriously affects a person's quality of life.
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"The American Dental Association stands with the FDI and other national dental associations around the world in focusing attention on how crucial good oral health is to overall health," said Dr. John S. Findley, ADA president.
According to the FDI, Sept. 12 was chosen to coincide with existing oral health days around the world, to honor the FDI founder, Dr. Charles Godon, who was born on Sept. 12, 1854, and to jointly celebrate the anniversary of the groundbreaking World Health Organization's International Conference on Primary Health Care at Alma Ata, Kazakhstan, taking place on Sept. 12, 1978.
More information about "World Oral Health Day" is available on the FDI's Web site at www.fdiworldental.org.
About the American Dental Association
Celebrating its 150th anniversary, the not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 157,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit the Association's Web site at www.ada.org
SOURCE American Dental Association
