World Oral Health Day 2024: A Happy Mouth is a Happy Body

Drs. Nicolas & Asp18 Mar 2024

World Oral Health Day is a global awareness campaign celebrated on March 20th every year. Organized by the FDI World Dental Federation, it aims to promote good oral hygiene and highlight the significance of oral health.

The theme for 2024 to 2026 is "A Happy Mouth is a Happy Body," emphasizing the connection between oral health and overall well-being.

Here, we’ve highlighted WOHD’s expert oral health recommendations for babaies, children, adults, and pregnant women.

Oral care tips for babies

Gently wipe your baby’s gums using a clean, moist gauze or cloth after each feed.
Start brushing with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears.
Brush your baby’s teeth for two minutes twice a day. It is especially important to clean the teeth before bedtime.
Refrain from putting babies to sleep with a bottle filled with milk, juices, or sweetened drinks.
Discourage thumb sucking, pacifier use and sippy cups.
Take the child for a check-up as soon as the first tooth comes in or by their first birthday.

Gum disease and tooth decay are preventable conditions that can be avoided by practicing good oral hygiene, regular dental cleanings, and check-ups.

Oral care tips for children

Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3 years, and use a pea-size amount for children 3 to 6 years.
Supervise toothbrushing until your child is able to brush their teeth correctly on his or her own.
Do not rinse after brushing. Teach your child to spit excess toothpaste.
Start flossing as soon as two teeth touch.
Limit foods and drinks that are high in sugar, especially in between meals.
Make sure your child wears a mouthguard during contact sports to protect their teeth.
Take your child to a pediatric dentist every six months.

Oral care tips for adults

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily.
If you’re wearing dentures, clean them daily.
If a tooth becomes loose, or your dentures no longer fit properly, visit your dentist as soon as possible.
Prepare well-balanced meals and avoid eating snacks, particularly those rich in sugar, in between meals. Limit sweets to the end of the meal.
Avoid smoking, tobacco use, and alcohol to reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.

Oral care tips for pregnant women

Due to hormonal changes, pregnant women may be more prone to gum disease and cavities. Make sure you get a dental check- up during pregnancy.
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
If you vomit, rinse your mouth out with water immediately afterward. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
Eat a balanced diet. Cutting down on how often and how much sugar you consume will help reduce your risk of oral health problems.

Our oral health is connected to our overall health. Following these practical tips can prevent the need for more extensive and potentially costly dental treatments down the road.