World Oral Health Day is celebrated annually worldwide on March 20th. It’s coordinated by the FDI World Dental Federation, which is an organization that represents over a million dentists all around the globe. The main purpose of this event is to promote awareness about just how important oral health is to overall health, and your dentist in Portland is proud to join the movement.
World Oral Health Day 2023
The campaign theme for World Oral Health Day this year is to Be Proud of Your Mouth. According to the FDI, “we want people to value and take care of their oral health and to make the right decisions to protect it. In year one, we focused on how oral health affects our overall health. In 2022, we wanted to inspire action by highlighting how a healthy mouth is important for our happiness and well-being. In 2023, we will focus on the importance of caring for your mouth at every stage of life.”
Oral Health & Overall Health
More than 90% of the world’s population will suffer from some sort of oral health disease at some point in their lives. But many of these diseases could have been avoided by educating people on how important oral health is and encouraging early prevention and detection. Your dentist in Portland believes that early detection of dental disease and educating patients are two of the best ways to lower the number of oral health problems worldwide. But it’s not just about protecting oral health. The truth is, many whole-body diseases first show signs in the mouth, and oral health problems can directly affect the health of the rest of the body. For example, gum disease, which affects more than 1 billion people worldwide, can increase the risk of:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Respiratory problems
- Cancer
- Stroke
Gum disease can be treated and cured successfully if it’s diagnosed in its early stages. However, if it’s not treated proactively, it can cause other health problems.
Signs of Gum Disease
If you notice any of the following symptoms, we encourage you to see your dentist as soon as possible.
- Bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Pain while chewing
- Loose teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
If you suspect that you may have gum disease, we encourage you to see your dentist in Portland as soon as possible.
Be Proud Of Your Mouth, Protect Your Health
Some of the best ways to protect your oral and overall health are to make sure you brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to remove bacteria and plaque from your teeth and gums. Also, see your dentist in Portland twice a year for regular cleanings and exams. If you’re looking for other ways to be proud to show off your teeth, consider talking to your dentist about cosmetic dentistry.
