World Oral Health Day is a vital campaign that this year aims to inspire better oral health by focusing on how good oral health improves your overall happiness and well-being. Good oral health has a positive impact on your general health, your well-being and overall quality of life.
Unfortunately, an estimated 2.8 billion people suffer globally from untreated dental caries, with 530 million children suffering from caries of primary teeth. Many people have struggled with maintaining good oral health over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, and inequalities in healthcare globally are only growing. The current plight of refugees in Ukraine highlights the struggles that many refugee groups around the world face with receiving adequate oral and general healthcare.
The World Health Assembly’s Resolution on Oral Health was passed in May 2021 and was a great step forward in global oral health policy, paving the way for governments and organisations to take the actions they need in order to improve people’s oral health. This year the ACFF will continue to work through its global network of 29 Chapters to strive for better oral healthcare for everyone in support of this new resolution.
Still, there are a few steps that you can take at home to improve your own oral health. Using fluoride toothpaste where possible and attending regular dental check-ups are the best way to take control of your oral health. Reducing your intake of sugars by chewing sugar-free gum or choosing water over fizzy drinks where it is possible can make a huge difference to your oral health too. With small steps we can all work together for a cavity-free future.
Prof. Nigel Pitts
Chairman of the Alliance for a Cavity-Free Future.
Leave A Reply