Since the inception of World Oral Health Day (WOHD), the benefits of good oral hygiene and healthy teeth have been extensively promoted.

In 2018, WOHD is celebrated on March 20th, and the focus is on the importance of oral hygiene and “saying AAA” to raise awareness of the importance of oral health for general health and well-being across the globe.

Good Oral Hygiene: A Path to a Healthy Life

Oral hygiene plays a critical role in keeping the mouth healthy and preventing oral health diseases such as gum disease and tooth decay.

Poor oral hygiene can lead to bad breath, gum swelling and recession, teeth staining, pain, and in severe cases, tooth loss.

Improper oral hygiene also affects the rest of the body. For instance, oral diseases have been linked to heart diseases, stroke, diabetes, and premature birth in pregnant women.

Keeping our mouths clean, healthy, and free of infectious agents is, therefore, a vital aspect of overall health and well-being.

Say “AAA” for Good Oral Hygiene

To mark the 2018 WOHD, the FDI World Dental Federation is encouraging everyone to “say AAA” – that is checking your mouth, teeth, and gums regularly with the help of a dental professional.

This approach is a simple and effective way of ensuring that oral hygiene is maintained and potential oral health diseases are treated early.

“Saying AAA” is a three-step process that involves:.

Assessing Oral health: the dental practitioner checks the teeth, gums, and other oral tissues for any signs of oral diseases such as cavities, gum inflammation, cancer, and others.
Achieving Oral hygiene: the practitioner advises on effective oral hygiene measures such as brushing, flossing, and interdental cleaning aimed at keeping the teeth and mouth clean and healthy.
Adopting Appropriate Habits: the dental practitioner provides guidance on healthy lifestyles that promote good oral health and a healthy body, including regular exercise, balanced diet and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

How can we promote Good Oral Hygiene?

Good oral hygiene is not only the concern of dental professionals; it is also a collective responsibility that starts at home, in schools, and in community health awareness campaigns.

Here are some vital tips that can help promote good oral hygiene and healthy teeth:.

1. Brushing Twice a Day with Fluoride Toothpaste

Brushing the teeth with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes, twice daily is an essential aspect of good oral hygiene. Toothpaste containing fluoride helps to strengthen the tooth enamel, which protects against decay.

Brushing helps to remove food particles and plaque that can cause dental cavities and other oral diseases.

2. Flossing Daily

Flossing helps to remove food particles and plaque from areas of the teeth that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush. Flossing should be done once daily, either in the morning or before bedtime to remove the food debris lodged in the teeth.

3. Using Mouthwash

Mouthwash is useful in reducing the amount of bacteria in the mouth, freshening the breath, and preventing tooth decay. Most mouthwashes contain antibacterial agents that kill bacteria that cause gum inflammation and other oral diseases.

Rinsing the mouth daily with mouthwash after brushing also helps to reduce plaque and improve oral hygiene.

4. Eating a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for good oral health. Foods rich in sugar and starches contribute to tooth decay, while fruits and vegetables have been noted for their protective effect on the teeth and gums.

Drinking plenty of water also helps to prevent tooth decay by washing away food particles and neutralizing harmful acids in the mouth.

5. Avoiding Smoking

Smoking contributes significantly to the development of gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Smoking causes bad breath and also interferes with the tongue and taste buds’s ability to smell and taste fully.

Smokers are, therefore, advised to quit smoking or reduce their smoking habits to improve their oral and overall health.

Conclusion

Oral hygiene is a vital aspect of good oral and overall health. The 2018 World Oral Health Day (WOHD) seeks to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and “Saying AAA” to promote healthy teeth and gums.

By adopting healthy oral hygiene habits such as brushing, flossing, using mouthwash, adopting a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking, we can maintain good oral health and general well-being.