I like to tell my patients that they are the reason why I come to work with a smile on my face every day. I absolutely enjoy meeting new patients and building strong relationships with them as we work together to improve their oral health. It’s interesting that there is actually a nationally recognized day that celebrates oral health, but I like to tell my patients that every day should be World Health Day!
Let me introduce you to this special day: World Oral Health Day which was actually on March 20. The focus of the day is to remind the young and old alike that good oral health is key for protecting the teeth and gums throughout life. More than 90 percent of the world's population contracts some type of dental disease during their lives. However, a solid oral care routine prevents or treats the majority of these conditions.
The FDI World Dental Federation organized the 2014 festivities in collaboration with the American Dental Association (ADA). The FDI kicked off the celebration this year with an attractive, memorable new World Oral Health Day logo. This image depicts a happy healthy smile, which gets at the heart of World Oral Health Day, in which individuals all over the world can come together to celebrate healthy smiles.
The 2014 World Oral Health Day theme was “Celebrating Healthy Smiles” which is a reflection of the significant role that oral health plays in our daily lives. FDI member dental associations as well as companies, schools, and other groups celebrated the day with events that were organized around this simple yet powerful message.
There were four key global partners for World Oral Health Day: Unilever Oral Care, Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies' Listerine Mouthwash, Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program, and Henry Schein Inc. Both Johnson & Johnson and Unilever were partners for the celebration in 2013 and also returned for 2014. FDI President Tin Chun Wong believes that these partners play a key role in raising awareness for good oral hygiene on a global level.
I hope that this special day has inspired you to continue to play an active role in your dental experience. This day reminds us to strive for the best oral health that we can achieve. Keep brushing, flossing, and coming in regularly for you 6-month check up!
