World Oral Health Day 2021
World Oral Health Day is observed every year on 20th March. It focuses on highlighting the benefits of good oral health, spreads awareness about oral diseases and promotes maintenance of oral hygiene.
The theme of theWorld Oral Health Day is ‘Be Proud of Your Mouth’for the next three years i.e. 2021-2023
The campaign is to spread message that oral health is significant for overall health. For longer and healthier life oral health should be taken care of.
Tips for maintaining good oral health
FAQs:
Q) How long should I brush my teeth?
Brushing if done properly, takes only two to three minutes.
Q) How should I choose my toothbrush?
One should use a soft bristled toothbrush. An electric toothbrush can also be used in case you have difficulty in brushing or otherwise.
Q) How do I choose my toothpaste from several varieties available in the market?
Any toothpaste containing fluoride can be used.
Q) What is dental caries? How is it caused?
Dental caries is a common oral health disease that causes tooth decay in the form of discolouration or cavitations. It commonly occurs due to high intake of sugar and starch in diet. When bacteria found in the oral cavity come in contact with sugar, it produces acid which further dissolves the tooth, causing caries.
Q) How can we prevent caries by diet modification?
Dietary habits play an important role in prevention of caries. The frequency of sugary foods and drinks is more crucial than the quantity consumed. One can prevent caries by:
Q) What can I do in case of toothache?
If you have a persistent toothache, you should visit a dentist at the earliest possible. In the meantime, temporary relief can be obtained by removing any lodged food debris using a dental floss. Routinely available over the counter pain killers may also be taken. However, long term use of pain killers is not recommended.
Q) What can I do in case of a swelling?
In case of swelling, you should visit a dentist as soon as possible, to detect the underlying cause. Meanwhile, temporary relief can be obtained by applying cold compresses over the cheeks.
Q) Is it OK if my gums bleed?
No. Healthy gums do not bleed. Therefore, in case your gums bleed, it means that your gums are inflamed. It might be due to gingivitis or periodontitis or some serious medical condition. Visit your dentist to get appropriate treatment.
Q) Are dental X-rays safe?
Dental X-rays undertaken routinely are safe. However, proper precautions are taken by the dentist in case of pregnant females.
Q) What can be done in case my tooth has come out of its socket during a fall/accident?
Firstly, you should hold the tooth from crown portion (upper) and rinse it with milk, water or saliva for a few seconds. Then place the tooth in its socket. In case the tooth cannot be replanted in its socket, you may wrap it in milk or in your mouth inside the cheek. You must rush to the dentist within 30 minutes as time is very crucial in this case.
Operational Guidelines- National Oral Health Programme
To know more about oral health, click here
References:
https://www.worldoralhealthday.org/campaign-theme-2021-2023
http://www.ada.org.au
http://www.ida.org.in
http://www.nhp.gov.in/healthlyliving/oral-health
https://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/index.html
