By Dr Tamika Ferguson

World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is observed every year on March 20. It is a day recognised worldwide to celebrate the benefits of a healthy mouth and for dental professionals to educate the public about the issues concerning oral health and stress the importance of oral hygiene.

Oral health care professionals from more than 70 countries will be honouring WOHD. It is a day for people to have fun; a day full of activities that make us laugh, sing and smile. This year’s theme is, “It all starts here. Healthy mouth. Healthy body.”

WOHD is important because 90 per cent of the world’s population will suffer from oral diseases in their lifetime and many of them can be avoided with increased dental health education.

The fact is that approximately 3.9 billion people worldwide are affected by oral diseases and most will not receive adequate dental treatment. WOHD provides a platform for the dental community to take action and reduce the amount of persons who ignore their oral health.

Although every day it is important to spread the word about oral health, WOHD allows individuals to celebrate and learn about oral care in a fun-filled way. In this regard, various activities are conducted around the world. These activities include dental campaigns and dental screenings, intermingled with singing, dancing and other forms of entertainment.

The “It all starts here. Healthy mouth. Healthy body” theme for WOHD 2016 seeks to bring public awareness of the link between oral health and overall physical health.

Poor oral health does not simply mean caries in the mouth but extends to a number of health conditions. Many may ask, “What does your oral health have to do with overall physical health?” The answer is, plenty. The mouth acts as a window to the rest of the body; it provides signs and symptoms of systemic diseases, for example AIDS and diabetes.

Further, an unhealthy mouth may increase your risk of serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, poorly controlled diabetes and preterm labor. In a recent study, 40 per cent of people with serious periodontal disease were reported to suffer from an additional chronic condition.

The public’s awareness that oral health and general health are interlinked is essential and hopefully through this year’s theme, this objective will be achieved.

WOHD is an important event for the entire community. It is an initiative that not only hopes to educate people but to motivate them to seek dental treatment if needed. As the world is gearing up to celebrate WOHD, an oral health Fair will be held at the Mall at Marathon from 2pm to 6pm this Saturday. There will be free dental screenings, dental advice, entertainment, prizes and lots of surprises. You are encouraged to attend and bring someone along with you. Take care of your teeth and celebrate your smile.

See you at the Mall at Marathon on March 12!