World Oral Hygiene Day 2024: Experts unveil the truth behind a healthy smile

Every March 20, the global community is called upon to join forces in diminishing the impact of oral diseases, which pose challenges to individuals, healthcare systems, and economies worldwide. The aim is to equip individuals with the understanding, means, and self-assurance needed to maintain optimal oral health.

Launching the new three-year initiative – A Happy Mouth Is – the focus is to present a straightforward yet impactful approach to encapsulate the broad aspects of oral health in an easily understandable way. The campaign for 2024 emphasises the essential connection between oral health and overall health, encapsulated in the message – A Happy Mouth Is… A Happy Body. The goal is to inspire people globally to prioritise their oral health, recognizing that such care is pivotal not just for their mouths but for their entire health and happiness.

According to Sonali Pusri, Pre-primary teacher at Apeejay Rhythms Kinderworld, Model Town, Jalandhar, with World Oral Hygiene Day approaching, it’s crucial to emphasise the importance of introducing children to oral hygiene practices from a young age.

“In schools like ours, it’s a common practice to invite parents who are dentists for regular oral hygiene checkups every six months, reinforcing the idea that maintaining oral health is a priority. This not only educates children about the significance of regular dental appointments but also ensures that parents are aware of the importance of oral hygiene,” Pusri said.

Incorporating fun activities like games or rhymes, into oral hygiene education makes the process enjoyable for children. “Creating a positive and engaging learning environment helps instill good dental habits early on, which is essential for preventing tooth decay and gum diseases. For instance, using ice cream sticks to simulate toothbrushes or creating charts of mouths with teeth where children can ‘brush away’ cavities with markers are innovative ways to teach these concepts,” the educator shared.

Additionally, implementing reward systems, where children receive stickers for brushing their teeth twice a day, encourages them to maintain these practices diligently, she added. “By making oral hygiene a fun and rewarding part of their routine, children are more likely to adopt these healthy habits for life, setting a solid foundation for their dental health,” Pusri said.

Seconds Dr Pragati Mohindru, who has a clinic and is a visiting consultant with different schools.  The doctor busted a few myths that are associated with what constitutes healthy teeth.

Myth: Cavities in milk teeth don’t matter because they will fall out anyway.

Truth: Cavities in milk teeth need to be treated with the same seriousness as those in permanent teeth. Untreated cavities can cause pain and lead to improper jaw development, which can cause alignment issues in permanent teeth.

Myth: Having white teeth means they are healthy.

Truth: Teeth whitening, which has become popular in salons and available through online kits, often involves harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide that can damage the tooth’s surface. These treatments are temporary and could lead to long-term damage despite the temporary aesthetic improvement.

Myth: Oral hygiene doesn’t impact overall health.

Truth: Poor oral health can lead to digestive issues due to improper chewing and digestion. Additionally, oral health problems can be indicators of underlying health issues, including nutritional deficiencies or systemic diseases.

Myth: Oral health issues are isolated and don’t indicate other health problems.

Truth: Oral health issues, such as increased cavity rates or oral ulcers, can signal broader health issues like gluten sensitivities, food allergies, or nutritional deficiencies. Oral health is a mirror of your overall health and should be taken seriously.

“Understanding these truths helps emphasise the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and addressing dental issues promptly, not only for the health of your teeth and gums but also for your overall well-being,” Dr Mohindru, whose son Atharv studies at Rhythms Kinderworld in Jalandhar, said.

So how can kids keep their teeth healthy? “First, it’s essential for parents to supervise the toddlers until they are at least four to five years old. When teaching them to brush, use gentle up-and-down motions or circular motions on each tooth, doing this around 10 to 20 times per surface to ensure thorough cleaning,” Dr Nikita Dev, an orthodontist and mother of Elisha Dev studying at Rhythms Kinderworld shared.

She also said that it is important to change the toothbrush in three months. “Over time, toothbrushes can harbour germs, so it’s also crucial to rinse them thoroughly with clean running water before and after each use to maintain hygiene. It is also advisable for everyone, including children and the elderly, to see a dentist at least once a year. For children, visits become particularly important around the age of six, when permanent teeth start to erupt. Regular visits to an orthodontist at this is recommended to monitor jaw development and address any potential issues early on. This can be crucial for ensuring a healthy smile and facial structure as they grow,” Dr Nikita said in conclusion.