Smile for life: World Oral Health Day 2015

March 16, 2015

World Oral Health Day is celebrated internationally each year on March 20th. It celebrates the benefits of a healthy mouth and to promote worldwide awareness of the issues around oral health and the importance of looking after oral hygiene to everyone old and young.

World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is celebrated yearly on March 20th. It is an international day to celebrate the benefits of a healthy mouth and to promote worldwide awareness of the issues around oral health and the importance of looking after oral hygiene to everyone old and young. 90% of the world’s population are affected by oral diseases in their lifetime, many of which can be prevented with increased governmental, health association and society support and funding for prevention, detection and treatment programs. (1)

The theme for 2015 is “Smile for life!” The theme has a double meaning: “lifelong smile” and “celebrating life.” In addition, it implies positivity and having fun as people smile when they are happy and have a healthy life.

READ MORE | Activities worldwide will celebrate a 'Smile for life' this World Oral Health Day, March 20

There are a variety of resources available in many languages, including posters, a toolkit, and templates. The toolkit and campaign posters are available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Serbian. The WOHD logo is available in 32 languages. The tools are flexible and can be adapted and localized for use in your own activities and events. World Oral Health Day is supported by four key partners on a global level: Listerine, Unilever, Henry Schein and the Wrigley Oral Health Care Program.

It is easy to get involved. Social media makes it possible for one person or organization to communicate with thousands of others about different issues and provides a remarkable opportunity to spread the word about oral health. You can also customize your own WOHD poster. There is a how-to video that shows you place your photo on the poster! See my examples below. You can feature a group shot too!

Every day is an important day to spread the word about oral health, and mostly preventable oral diseases.

References
1. What is World Oral Health Day (WOHD)? World Dental Federation website. http://www.fdiworldental.org/events/world-oral-health-day/2014.aspx. Accessed March 16, 2015.