20 March is the designated day for World Oral Health Day. World Oral Health Day celebrates the benefits of a healthy mouth and to promote worldwide awareness of the issues around health and the importance of looking after oral hygiene. Originally held on 12 September, World Oral Health Day was moved to 20 March because children have 20 milk teeth, seniors should have 20 natural teeth at the end of their life amongst other reasons.
20 March is also the United Nations International Day of Happiness which coincides well with World Oral Health Day. Time to wear your smiles and laugh more today! International Day of Happiness recognises the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world.
A healthy mouth is integral in our daily lives as we smile, speak, drink and do so much with our mouths. Keeping it in good shape and preventing it from dental and other oral health issues from developing or becoming worst should be our goal! Many of us think that brushing our teeth regularly is sufficient but we should also not forget flossing, mouth wash and regular visits to the much dreaded dental clinic for check ups and cleaning.
According to the Singapore Dental Association, 90% of the world’s population will suffer from some form of oral disease in their lifetime and very few of us really take great care of our mouths.
The Power Mouth Challenge
In Singapore, Listerine has partnered with the Singapore Dental Association to spread the message of World Oral Health Day. Listerine is offering cash prizes of up to S$5,000 for participants to put their mouths to the test in the LISTERINE POWER MOUTH CHALLENGE to be held from 12pm to 4pm at JCube on 22 March 2014.
Get coached by Xu Bin and Quan Yifeng in a head to head challenge to become the Power Mouth Champion. Get to meet Dasmond Koh as he joins the MediaCorp artists.
Facts About Oral Healthcare and Diseases
- 60% of the world’s population enjoys access to oral health care
- 60-90% of school children worldwide have dental caries
- Oral Cancer in most countries is between 1 and 10 cases per 100,000 and is the eighth most common form of cancer in the world and the most costly to treat
- Risk of oral cancer is 15 times higher when combining tobacco and alcohol
- 5-10% of public health expenditure in high-income countries is related to oral health
- Toothache is the number one reason for asbenteeism from schools in many countries
- High sugar consumption is the number one risk factor for tooth decay and diabetes
- In the USA, an estimated 30 to 40 million people avoid dental treatment every year due to anxiety and fears
- Tobacco use is responsible for up to half of all periodontal (gum) diseases and are directly linked to diabetes, heart disease, pre-term birth, low birth weights and other health issues.
