World Oral Health Day Campaign 2024

20th March 2024

‘’A HAPPY MOUTH, IS A HAPPY BODY’’ 

Is the theme for World Oral Health Day 2024 - 2026. 

A 3 year campaign with the above theme lead by FDI, will aim to motivate people to value and take care of their mouths and understand that by doing so, they can also help protect their overall well-being. Over the course of three years, Toothie – the beaver, FDI's beloved beaver mascot, will take centre stage in an exciting movie-inspired campaign. 

Your mouth is often thought of as ‘the gateway to your body’ and ‘the mirror of your health,’ as it can indicate so much about your overall health. In fact, numerous studies show a strong link between poor oral health and chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Globally, around three and a half billion people suffer from oral diseases – such as tooth decay and gum disease many of which can be prevented through good oral hygiene habits. As with many major health issues, prevention, early detection and treatment of oral disease is important to stop any negative effects on the rest of your body. The purpose of this World Oral Health Day campaign aims to empower people with the knowledge, tools and confidence to secure good oral health.

World Oral Health Day is celebrated globally every year on 20th of March, organised by FDI World Dental Federation and claims to be the largest global awareness campaign on oral health. This year under the guidance of esteemed Dean, Prof. Dr. Neeta Mohanty, Institute of Dental Sciences, Bhubaneswar encouraged the students to take part in this year's activities for World Oral Health Day with a week-long campaign started from 18th March 2024 to 23rd March 2024. The week campaign started with a SOA radio talk show where the faculties and PG from Dept of Public Health Dentistry have discussed about good oral health and its link to overall health.

The department of public health dentistry conducted a special camp during this week of world oral health day campaign at Khudi Panchayat, Chilika of Khordha district. A free check-up camp and treatment was provided by Institute of Dental Sciences were provided to every patient. Around 500 villagers availed the free oral health screening and treatment camp during this campaign. 

"A professionally directed, highly entertaining yet educational street play on oral health and its importance was presented by our Nukkad act team of students which stressed the ill effects of the use of tobacco, gutkha, cigarette and related products and also highlighted the importance of maintaining oral health. An oral health talk was delivered by the postgraduate trainees to the villagers which includes demonstration of proper brushing technique followed by patient awareness and education about oral diseases. 

The event was designed to spread messages about good oral hygiene practices to all age groups while demonstrating the importance of optimal oral health in maintaining general health and well-being. 

The World Health Organization even adopted an important resolution which underpins that maintaining a healthy mouth can reduce your chances of developing wider health issues. It also highlights that preventing oral diseases is key in supporting good overall health, through regular dental check-ups and good brushing at home – even more reason to keep your oral hygiene in tip-top condition every day. 

The campaigning program was concluded by a closing oral health talk at IDS and various cultural events for faculties and students. The campaign ended with a high hope that we have moved a step forward in creating awareness about oral health and in large spreading a healthy smile all over the community.

While promoting this oral health campaign 2024, IDS always aims to disseminate the scientific evidences about the prevention of dental diseases and the links between oral health and general health from its IDS Cochrane India Affiliate centre, Bhubaneswar while promoting this oral health campaign.