WORLD ORAL HEALTH DAY TODAY: Happy Mouth! Happy Mind!!

Dr Shirish Khedgikar

World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is observed annually on March 20 reminding us about the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

The day aims to reflect on key oral health indicators - healthy adults should have 20 natural teeth at the end of their life and children should have 20 healthy milk teeth. IIn 2025 celebrations, the focus shifts to the mouth-mind connection, with the tagline ‘A happy mouth is a happy mind.’ This theme highlights the connection between oral health and mental well-being.

A happy mouth represents many aspects

of well-being, whereas poor mouth hygiene can lead to gum diseases, dental decay, tooth loss and even oral pre-cancerous and cancer lesions in habitual tobacco, gutkha, betelnut chewers and smokers. Many times, dental diseases trigger serious psychological distress. Bad breath may affect confidence, social interactions and overall mental health. An individual's self-image, self-esteem and self-worth are also affected. Untreated dental disease contributes to stress, anxiety and inferiority

complex. This badly affects quality of life and may lead to difficulties in socialisation. Malaligned teeth affect the speech and cause social anxiety. Missing or discoloured front teeth may lead to reluctance to smile. A healthy mouth and beautiful smile help every individual to feel positive and confident.

Globally, nearly 350 crore people suffer from oral diseases. Poor oral hygiene may lead to heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Bacteria from mouth can enter the blood stream. It has been observed that depression causing self-neglect often leads to poor oral hygiene. Anti-depressant medicines reduce the secretion of saliva, which may cause dental decay. Mental health disorders can lead to coping habits like tobacco, alcohol consumption and smoking. Some persons consume large amounts of harmful sugary beverages. Chronic stress results in teeth grinding or night grinding habits. Healthy teeth and gums are essential for chewing, digestion and absorption of food. Limitation of food choices leads to nutritional deficiency. Children, pregnant women and senior citizens need special attention. Regular dental care avoids complex treatments, saving money and time. Six-monthly visit to dentist helps in early detection of dental diseases. Regular brushing, twice in a day, in scientific way and use of dental floss helps in removal of plaque, which is the hidden bacterial layer, forming over teeth surfaces. Mouthwashes freshen the breath. Drinking plenty of water and eating juicy fruits reduce the risk of cavity formation. Maintaining oral health paves the way for happy mind and happy life.

(The writer is associate professor at Government Dental College and Hospital, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar).