Celebrating smiles for World Oral Health Day 

Celebrating smiles for World Oral Health Day 

Oral diseases affect almost half the world's population and 1 in 10 people suffer from gum diseases.

World Oral Health Day is an important occasion to highlight the importance of dental- and mouth care.

Countries like India are increasingly prioritizing oral health as a key component of healthcare service provision, but much work still needs to be done.



Oral diseases affect close to 3.5 billion people worldwide. At least 10% of the global population suffer from severe periodontal (gum) diseases. Oral cancer, meanwhile, is one of the three most common cancers in the Asia-Pacific region.

World Oral Health Day, this year, has the theme "Be proud of your Mouth". It's important to reflect on the status, gravity and policies around oral health. Most oral diseases and conditions share modifiable risk factors with other non-communicable diseases, like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. These risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption and diets high in free sugars.

Altered oral health results in pain, suffering, disability, loss of productivity and low self-esteem. The Mayo Clinic finds that poor dental health increases the risk of bacterial infection in the bloodstream. This can affect a person's heart valves. There is also