World Oral Health Day - 'Say Ahh: Act on the Mouth'

Main Objectives of the Campaign

• To support and promote awareness on the importance of optimal oral health in maintaining overall health and wellbeing
• To reduce the burden of oral diseases such as tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer around the world
• To encourage the general public to follow oral hygiene practices to protect their oral health
• To educate children about the importance of brushing teeth twice a day
• To promote healthy eating habits with low sugar and alcohol
• To reduce smoking, frequent use of tobacco and pan masala to combat oral diseases
• To motivate people to have regular dental check-ups

Key Reason for Raising Sound Alarm Over Oral Health

• Oral diseases such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer are the most common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that affect people throughout their lifetime, causing pain, discomfort and even death
• Severe periodontal (gum) disease, which may result in tooth loss, was estimated to be the 11th most prevalent disease worldwide
• Nearly 95 percent of Americans consider their oral health as a critical part of their overall well-being, according to the American Dental Association (ADA) Health Policy Institute (HPI)
• Around 78 percent of all Americans will have at least one cavity by the time they reach age 17
• Nearly 80 percent of the U.S. population has some form of gum disease
• Approximately 75 percent of Americans use their toothbrushes longer than they should
• Dental caries affect Saudi children at a rate of 96 percent in the 6-year age group and 93.7 percent in the 12-year age group
• In India, tobacco and pan masala use among men increases the risk of oral cancer

Good Oral Care for Kids

• Oral care routine for children must start from the first few days after birth by wiping and cleaning the gums with a clean, washcloth or moist gauze pad, especially after feedings and before bedtime at least twice a day
• Children should brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day to help reduce their risk of developing dental cavities and gum disease
• Parents need to ensure that your child does not eat anything after brushing their teeth at night
• For the best oral care, it is necessary to replace your child's toothbrush every three months or when the bristles are worn-out or missing
• Do not encourage thumb-sucking and extended use of the pacifier for too long, i.e., after your child turns 2 ˝ years old, as it can significantly affect the development of your child's mouth and teeth
• Limit your child's intake of sugars to around 3 teaspoons a day and ensure they do not consume too many sugary foods and soft drinks to prevent oral cavities
• Make sure to provide a mouthguard, a rubber-like cover which fits exactly over the teeth and gums, if your child, plays a sport that involves physical contact, moving objects or regular falls to can protect their gums and prevent tooth displacement or loss
• Take your child to a dentist for regular dental check-ups to reduce the risk for oral diseases and associated health complications

Good Oral Care for Adults

• Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste can help reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease
• It is important to brush your teeth using a toothpaste containing 1000-1500 parts per million (ppm) fluoride. So, before buying a toothpaste, check the packaging to ensure it contains the right amount
• Applying toothpaste to the full length of your toothbrush head is the right amount to keep your teeth and mouth healthy
• Rinsing your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash or using a sugar-free chewing gum after meals and snacks can help prevent tooth decay
• Regular cleaning between teeth can help remove food particles and may also reduce gum diseases and bad breath by removing plaque that forms along the gum line
• Limit your sugar intake to around 6 teaspoons a day and avoid too many sugary foods and soft drinks to prevent oral cavities
• Excessive use of tobacco and alcohol can put your mouth at an increased risk for gum disease and oral cancer

1. World Oral Health Day - (http://www.worldoralhealthday.org/)
2. World Oral Health Day 2019 'Say Ahh: Act on Mouth Health' campaign calls for concrete action for good oral health - (https://www.fdiworlddental.org/news/20181012/world-oral-health-day-2019-say-ahh-act-on-mouth-health-campaign-calls-for-concrete)
3. Good oral care for children - (http://www.worldoralhealthday.org/resources/2019/good-oral-care-children)
4. Good oral care for adults - (http://www.worldoralhealthday.org/resources/2019/good-oral-care-adults)
5. Oral health- (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health)
6. World Oral Health Day 2019 - (https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/healthDay/2019/Pages/HealthDay-2019-03-20.aspx)