World Oral Health day

On the 20 March every year, World Oral Health Day is celebrated to unite to help reduce the burden of oral diseases, which affect individuals, health systems and economies everywhere.

Its purpose: to empower people with the knowledge, tools and confidence to secure good oral health.

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

Theme for 2024

The theme for the World Oral Health Day 2024 is a simple but powerful message: A Happy mouth ..A Happy body.

This year, the theme inpires change by focusing on the importance of oral health at every stage of life, because no matter what age you are, caring for your mouth and looking after your oral health is important. 

Source : FDI