With World Oral Health Day fast approaching on 20 March, FDI is encouraging people all over the world to make a personal commitment to prioritising their oral health through the #MouthProudChallenge.
To take part, people can use the #MouthProud custom poster tool or filters available through Facebook and Instagram, to demonstrate how they are looking after their oral health.
Examples given by FDI include brushing and flossing properly, cutting out sugary treats, eating a healthy meal, or visiting the dentist for a check-up; inspiration can also be found at the ADA’s Teeth.org.au, which contains a wealth of oral health information from dental experts across Australia about how people can maintain a healthy mouth and keep their smile for life.
Dentists and other oral healthcare professionals are being encouraged to take part by using the challenge to amplify what they are usually doing already which is helping their patients take good care of their teeth and gums.
Suggestions by FDI include using the #MouthProud frame “demonstrate good oral hygiene practices, correct toothbrushing techniques or just flash a natural smile to cheer someone up” with “participants … invited to nominate four friends or colleagues to take part in this digital movement.”
The need for people to engage in good oral healthcare is a pressing one with nearly 3.5 billion worldwide dealing with far-reaching consequences from poor oral health such as tooth decay and severe gum disease such as periodontitis.
The ADA’s Australia’s Oral Health Tracker makes it clear that while Australians are getting better at looking after their oral health, some 32% of adults still have untreated tooth decay and only 53% of adults aged over 18 brush their teeth twice a day as recommended.
One of the priorities of the ADA is “to encourage the improvement of the oral and general health of the public” which it undertakes through a variety of means including Teeth.org.au and annual oral health promotional events such as Dental Health Week and World Oral Health Day.
FDI’s three-year “Be Proud of Your Mouth” campaign theme hopes to aid these efforts by national dental associations such as the ADA by motivating “people to value and take care of their mouths and understand that in doing so, they also help protect their happiness and well-being.”
“Everyone can take personal action this World Oral Health Day to help start a new trend for the sake of happiness and well-being,” says FDI President, Prof. Ihsane Ben Yahya. “Let’s come together on a global scale to raise awareness, improve education and spur personal and collective action on the importance of oral health for all.”
To prepare for World Oral Health Day and to find out how to take part in the #MouthProudChallenge, go to World Oral Health Day and for oral health resources to bolster your promotional efforts with patients, go to Teeth.org.au
