World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is celebrated globally every year on March 20 by FDI. The day also marks the launch of a year-long campaign to raise awareness of oral health and the prevention of oral diseases. Since 2013 these campaigns have featured a specific theme.
For the next three years, the overarching theme for the WOHD campaign is “Be Proud of Your Mouth.” With this empowering call to action, FDI hopes to motivate people to value and take care of their mouths and understand that by doing so, they can also help protect their general health and well-being.
Its purpose is to empower people with the tools and knowledge to prevent and control oral diseases, which affect nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide. WOHD encourages people to look after their oral health by adopting a good oral hygiene routine and managing risk factors. Preserving oral health can help keep the mind and body healthy too, as well as protect against the spread of infections.
Oral health is as important as general health. It helps you maintain a healthy mouth, teeth, and gums. It also helps to improve your appearance. Poor oral health can not only lead to oral diseases but also major health problems like heart disease, diabetes mellitus, stroke, respiratory problems, and premature births in pregnant women.
On examination, the oral cavity may exhibit manifestations of underlying systemic disease and serve as an indicator of overall health. Systemic diseases with oral findings include autoimmune, hematologic, endocrine, and neoplastic processes.
Autoimmune disease may manifest as oral ulcerations, changes in the salivary and parotid glands, and changes in the tongue.
Patients with hematologic illnesses may present with gingival bleeding or tongue changes such as glossitis (inflamed tongue), depending on the etiology.
Patients with chronic diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux and eating disorders may present with dental erosions that cause oral pain or halitosis. Patients with endocrine disorders such as diabetes, gums are affected, and also loosening of teeth is the major problem.
Metastatic tumors (tumors spreading from other parts of the body to the oral cavity) constitute approximately 1% of oral malignant neoplasms. Tumors can occur on both the hard and soft palates but most often affect the jaws.
The oral cavity can lend insight into underlying health in both adults and children. Many systemic diseases can have oral manifestations that may initially be observed by dental professionals.
About the Author
This article has been contributed by the Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, Yenepoya Dental College under the Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) established in the year 1992, with its robust alumni of 3000 Undergraduates and 67 Postgraduates students and research Scholars have many accolades and achievements to its credit. It strives to provide state of art Oral diagnostics and Molecular Pathology while excelling in research activities and instilling a holistic approach in dental education among students. Department contributes its expertise in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and providing exemplary education and scientific research.
