World Oral Health Day
A global day organized by the FDI World Dental Federation to raise awareness of the importance of oral health and its impact on overall wellbeing.
Date20 March
TopicHealth
Established2007
Ways to observe this day
- Book a routine dental check-up if you haven't had one recently
- Teach your children the correct way to brush and floss
- Cut back on sugary foods and drinks in your diet
- Share a health fact about the link between oral health and overall wellbeing
The FDI World Dental Federation, headquartered in Paris and founded in 1900, launched World Oral Health Day in 2007, originally observed on September 12 to mark the birthday of the federation's founder. In 2013, the date moved to March 20 to avoid overlapping with the federation's annual congress, and because the number 20 symbolizes the goal of keeping at least twenty natural teeth into old age as a benchmark of good oral health.
The day raises awareness that oral health is an integral part of overall wellbeing, and that gum disease and tooth decay remain among the most widespread chronic conditions worldwide despite being largely preventable. National dental associations in more than 130 countries mark the occasion with free screening campaigns, school workshops teaching children proper brushing techniques, and media campaigns linking diet to oral health.
