A Happy Mouth is a Happy Mind – World Oral Health Day message, 20th March 2025
Dental Health Foundation Ireland’s recent adult oral health survey (March 2025)
discovers areas for improvement in practicing good oral hygiene.
Looking after your oral health is a positive step to taking better care of yourself. Each
small step added to your daily brushing routine can lead to a brighter smile and lessen
the risk of dental and gum disease. From infancy to old age. Across the life span.
World Oral Health Day is an annual event to raise awareness of the importance of oral
care of your mouth, teeth, gums, and yourself. The Dental Health Foundation endorses
this important message.
Oral health and overall health and well-being are interconnected.
Poor oral health
increases the risk of developing non-communicable diseases, for example, cancer,
diabetes, respiratory, cardiovascular, and Alzheimer’s disease. The World Health
Organisation points to 3.5 billion people worldwide suffering from oral disease (half the
world population), and 90% of adults will experience cavities at some stage in their
lives.
The Dental Health Foundation Ireland’s recent survey discovered that the Irish
adult has room for improving their oral hygiene and care practices.
In a study of
1,000 people nationwide, 59% of adults brushed twice daily; however, only 49%
brushed before bed, despite this time being the most important time in the day.
Spit out toothpaste and don’t rinse after brushing is the best advice, to keep the fluoride
in the paste protecting your teeth. Of the cohort that are brushing daily, only 17% follow
this advice, and 31% rinse after brushing.
Small, important, practical wins for a better mouth and improved health include:
Brushing/ cleaning
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, especially before bedtime. Brush all
of the tooth – the inside, outside, in between and the biting surfaces. - Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and brush at a 45-degree angle to reach along the
gum line. Replace it every 3 months (or when worn). - Floss daily to remove dental plaque biofilm and food particles that get stuck
between teeth, and use interdental brushes to clean at the gum level between
teeth.
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Dental Health Foundation Ireland’s recent adult oral health survey (March 2025)
discovers areas for improvement in practicing good oral hygiene.
Tooth-friendly Diet - Limit sugary and acidic foods, which can cause cavities. Snacking on sugar in
between meals increases the risk of dental decay. - Eat more calcium-rich foods (like dairy, leafy greens, and almonds) for stronger
teeth. - Drink plenty of water to rinse away food particles and bacteria and stay hydrated.
Limit Alcohol/ Quit Smoking - Smoking increases the risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.
- Excessive alcohol consumption can erode tooth enamel and cause dry mouth.
Visit your Dentist Regularly - Schedule a dental check-up every six months for early detection of issues.
- Book an annual dental cleaning visit to remove dental plaque biofilm build-up to
preserve good gum health.
Teeth are for life! Unlike our bones, when broken or damaged, they can’t repair
themselves. Adding small but important good oral hygiene practices to our daily routine
is something we can all do. For a better smile and better overall health.
Read more from the Dental Health Foundation Ireland HERE
Read IPN February HERE
