To emphasise the importance of oral hygiene and diseases linked to the mouth, French FDI established World Oral Health Day in the year 2007.
A global population of approximately 3.7 billion people is affected by oral diseases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It is evident that many people overlook oral health issues and do not treat them as seriously as more well-known conditions. But did you know that your mouth plays a crucial role in your overall health?
As the entry point for food, your oral hygiene directly impacts your overall well-being. To emphasize the importance of oral hygiene and the diseases linked to poor dental care, the French organization Federation Dentaire Internationale (FDI) established World Oral Health Day in 2007. Since then, March 20 has been observed annually as World Oral Health Day.
The Ministry of Health has raised concerns about the inadequate attention given to dental health in the country. According to the latest statistics, only 50% of Sri Lankans brush their teeth twice a day, which is far from the recommended standard for good oral hygiene.
This issue was highlighted during a press briefing organized by the Ministry's Health Promotion Bureau on March 19, ahead of World Oral Health Day, observed globally on March 20.
Dr. Nilantha Ratnayake, Chairperson of the World Oral Health Day Committee of the Sri Lanka Dental Association, emphasized the lack of focus on dental health in comparison to other aspects of physical well-being.
He underscored the importance of oral health, noting that it plays a significant role in a person’s psychological and overall health. Poor oral health can lead to severe complications, both mentally and physically, impacting a person’s overall quality of life.
Dr. Ratnayake also pointed out the global prevalence of oral health issues, with an estimated 3.5 billion people worldwide affected by various dental problems. He stressed that dental issues like tooth decay are often ignored in their early stages, allowing them to progress into more serious health concerns.
One of the key factors contributing to tooth decay in Sri Lanka, according to Dr. Ratnayake, is the excessive consumption of sugary foods. On average, a Sri Lankan consumes 34 kilograms of sugar annually—well above the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 10 kilograms per year.
Additionally, Dr. Ratnayake highlighted that the use of fluoride toothpaste is vital in preventing dental decay, but approximately 25% of the Sri Lankan population does not use toothpaste containing fluoride. While 75% of people do, the lack of widespread fluoride use remains a significant concern.
The Ministry of Health is urging the public to prioritize oral health and adopt healthier dental habits to prevent the development of long-term issues. The observance of World Oral Health Day serves as a reminder to focus on maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking early treatment for dental concerns.
