World Oral Health Day:
Prevention is Better than Cure
Published on 04/03/2025
There's a lot of information out there when it comes to looking after your teeth. That's why we've reached out to our Clinical Quality Manager, Lianne Scott-Munden, to share her expertise.
You'll find out why oral health matters, get general tips, and there's even specific advice for those with children.
We're making oral health simple for World Oral Health Day.
Every year on March 20th, we come together to celebrate World Oral Health Day, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of oral health. This day calls on the world to unite in reducing the burden of oral disease. In the UK, it serves as a powerful reminder for patients and their parents or guardians about the critical role that preventive care plays in maintaining a healthy mouth and overall well-being. It's an opportunity to empower everyone with the knowledge and tools needed to secure good oral health for life.
Why oral health matters
Oral health is more than just having a beautiful smile; it is a gateway to our overall health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of problems, including cavities, gum disease and can even be linked with systemic issues such as heart disease. It can also have a detrimental impact on those with diabetes. Additionally, research has also shown that gum inflammation can exacerbate arthritis. For children, good oral hygiene is essential for their growth and development, impacting their ability to eat, speak and learn effectively.
30% of adults regularly experience dental pain*
Top Tips for maintaining good oral health
Brush Twice a Day- using a fluoride toothpaste and brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day. This helps remove debris, plaque and reduces the risk of cavities
Floss Daily- alternatively you can use small interdental brushes. Cleaning between your teeth removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth, areas that your toothbrush can’t reach
Brush Your Tongue- Just like your teeth your tongue holds a biofilm of bacteria which can contribute to the plaque build-up on your teeth
Regular Dental Check-ups-Visit your dentist regularly. Early detection of possible problems can prevent more serious problems further down the line
Maintain a Healthy Diet- Limit sugary snacks as they contribute to tooth decay
Avoid Tobacco Products- Smoking and the use of other tobacco products can lead to gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer
Protect Your Teeth- If you participate in sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury
Tooth decay remains the most common reason for hospital admissions in children aged 6-10**
As a parent or guardian, you are the hero in your child's eyes, and you play a crucial role in their oral health. Children learn by watching you, so leading by example and making oral hygiene a family activity can have a lasting positive impact. Teaching your children about the importance of oral health and healthy diets from an early age encourages them to take responsibility for their own dental care.
Scheduling regular dental visits is vital. I always recommend taking children to the dentist at an early age, even before they have all their teeth, so they can become familiar with the sights, sounds, and smells of a dental practice. This early exposure helps them feel more comfortable and less anxious about dental visits in the future.
World Oral Health Day presents a perfect opportunity to reflect on the importance of preventative care. By adopting good oral hygiene practices and making regular dental visits a priority you can ensure a lifetime of healthy and happy smiles for you and your family. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
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*Dentaly
**Office for Health Improvements and Disparities
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