March 20, 2026 – World Oral Health Day
March 20, 2026 - World Oral Health Day
On the initiative of the World Dental Federation, World Oral Health Day is celebrated annually on March 20th worldwide.
This international day is held to draw attention to oral health issues, hygiene practices, and the prevention of dental diseases regardless of age. Activities within the framework of this day include health education, tooth brushing workshops, professional cleaning, and examinations aimed at preventing caries, gum disease, and oral mucosa diseases.
Nearly 90% of the world's population suffers from oral diseases during their lifetime, and many of these problems can be avoided through prevention from early childhood.
Even ancient physicians recognized the connection between the health of the entire body and the health of the teeth. Oral health is one of the indicators of overall body health and quality of life. It is important to constantly remember that by taking care of one's teeth, a person makes efforts to preserve their health for many years to come.
Main Dental Diseases
- Caries: The most common destruction of hard tooth tissues (enamel and dentin).
- Pulpitis: Inflammation of the nerve (pulp) inside the tooth, occurring as a complication of untreated caries.
- Periodontitis: Inflammation of the tissues surrounding the tooth root, often with cyst formation, leading to tooth mobility.
- Non-carious lesions: Enamel hypoplasia (underdevelopment), wedge-shaped defects (wear of the tooth neck), increased sensitivity (hypersensitivity).
- Periostitis (flux): Inflammation of the periosteum with swelling of the gums and cheek.
Gum and Periodontal Diseases
- Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums without disruption of the dentogingival junction (bleeding, swelling).
- Periodontitis: Inflammation of the periodontal tissues, destruction of bone tissue and ligaments holding the tooth, leading to tooth loss.
- Periodontosis: Non-inflammatory lesion characterized by tissue dystrophy and exposure of tooth necks.
Oral Mucosa Diseases
- Stomatitis: Inflammation of the mucosa, manifesting as ulcers (aphthae), white plaque (candidiasis), or herpetic eruptions.
- Glossitis: Inflammation of the tongue.
- Cheilitis: Inflammation of the red border of the lips.
- Oral mucosa neoplasms.
Main Causes of Diseases
- Bacterial plaque: Accumulation of microbes due to insufficient hygiene.
- Diet: Excess sugar and simple carbohydrates.
- Injuries: Chipped or fractured teeth.
- Harmful habits: Smoking, bruxism (teeth grinding).
- proper and thorough oral hygiene at least twice a day (morning and evening after meals);
- dental check-ups twice a year;
- a balanced diet that excludes excessive carbohydrates, especially sugars, and their prolonged presence in the oral cavity;
- daily consumption of fruits and vegetables, which can play a protective role in preventing oral diseases;
- quitting smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco, including chewing tobacco, and limiting alcohol consumption;
- using protective equipment during sports and when riding motorized vehicles to reduce the risk of facial injuries.
Recommendations for the prevention of dental diseases include:
In addition to risk factors common to non-communicable diseases, the use of fluoride compounds is recommended for the prevention of oral diseases. Dental caries can be largely prevented by optimal exposure to fluoride compounds from various sources, such as fluoridated drinking water, salt, milk, and toothpaste.
It is recommended to use fluoride-containing toothpastes for oral hygiene in concentrations according to age recommendations: for children under 6 years of age – a pea-sized amount (with a fluoride concentration of 500 ppm), for children over 6 years of age, adolescents and adults – a 1-1.5 cm strip (with a fluoride concentration of 1100-1500 ppm).
Taking care of your oral health ensures a beautiful smile, fresh breath, effective chewing, and self-confidence, preventing caries, tooth loss, gum disease, and dangerous inflammatory processes.
Take care of yourself and your loved ones!
State Institution "Rassonsky RCGE", 2026.