March 20, 2024 – World Oral Health Day
On the initiative of the World Dental Federation FDI, World Oral Health Day is celebrated annually on March 20 worldwide.
This day is held to draw public attention to oral health issues, hygiene practices, and the prevention of dental diseases regardless of age. It has become one of the most important events in global dentistry and is considered a day for proclaiming the core values that every dentist brings to their patients.
The Republic of Belarus joined the celebration of World Oral Health Day for the first time in 2016. On this day, the dental service of the republic organizes mass events in organized children's groups and provides free examinations in clinics. Information about the event is widely covered by the media, interviews with specialist doctors are conducted, articles are published, and informational materials are posted on the websites of healthcare organizations.
On this day, it is important to draw the attention of the republic's residents to how much dental health means in their lives, to inform them about primary prevention measures, and to help them develop motivation for a healthy lifestyle.
Dental diseases and periodontal pathology are widespread among the population of Belarus. Inflammatory periodontal tissue diseases are particularly common among the elderly. Major risk factors such as smoking, reduced physical activity, and high consumption of sugar and salt cause the development of various chronic diseases, including oral diseases. Oral diseases are often associated with diabetes, cardiovascular pathology, low birth weight, and other conditions.
To maintain dental health, it is primarily necessary to educate the population on proper oral care and encourage timely visits to the dentist at the first signs of dental problems, as well as to visit the dentist for preventive purposes. Almost any dental disease is easier to prevent than to treat. It is sufficient to follow just three simple rules regularly: proper oral hygiene, proper nutrition, and the use of fluoride.
Proper oral hygiene
Oral hygiene involves brushing your teeth at home at least twice a day, as well as using additional hygiene products (dental floss, interdental brushes, mouthwashes, denture brushes, etc.). In addition, professional oral hygiene should be performed.
Rational Nutrition
One of the most important strategies for maintaining oral health is proper nutrition, what we eat and how often we eat. To keep your smile beautiful, in addition to daily oral hygiene, it is necessary to adhere to a special dental diet. The main requirement is to limit the frequency of carbohydrate consumption. The number of meals should not exceed 5-6 times a day, including 3 main meals and 2 snacks. It is necessary to minimize the consumption of foods most dangerous for tooth health, such as sweets and chocolate, foods high in carbohydrates, sugary carbonated drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
Fluoride Use
Fluoride-containing toothpastes are recommended for constant daily twice-daily use when brushing teeth for the entire population (with age-related restrictions on concentration and paste consumption for children).
It is necessary to visit the dentist at least once a year for preventive measures and, if necessary, dental treatment. Do not postpone a visit to the dentist if white spots appear on your teeth. Most often, this is how the initial form of caries manifests. Early-stage caries treatment is painless and most effective, while in advanced cases, the tooth often has to be removed.
Adhering to these simple rules will help keep your teeth healthy and beautiful.
Based on materials from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus