Over 90% of the world’s population will suffer from some sort of oral health disease at some point in their lives. Many of which could have been avoided through proper education or supporting programs for prevention and detection. At my Columbia dental office, we believe education is the first step in fixing this epidemic. Which is why this World Oral Health Day, we’re talking about why dental care is so important, not just for your smile, but for your entire wellbeing.

What is World Oral Health Day?

World Oral Health Day takes place every year and is sponsored by the World Dental Federation. Its goal is to bring awareness to the benefits of a healthy mouth, and to educate everyone on the effects of an unhealthy one. While its name suggests promoting the importance of getting a healthy smile, if we dig deeper we can see it’s about more than a healthy mouth.

It’s About Whole Health, Too

Many whole-body diseases first show signs in the mouth, and oral health can have a direct affect on the health of the rest of the body. One of the most concerning links between oral health and overall health has a lot to do with gum disease. Gum disease may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, respiratory concerns, and even some cancers. Nearly half of the population has some level of periodontal disease. And that’s just America. So while it’s important to care for your mouth for your smile’s sake, it’s pretty important for your wellbeing too.

What to Look For

If you notice any of the following symptoms, we encourage you to see your dentist as soon as possible.

Bleeding gums
Puffy, red, swollen gums
Bad breath that doesn’t go away

Celebrate The Best Way Possible

The best way to celebrate World Oral Health Day and get behind this year’s theme is to schedule an appointment with a dentist in Columbia. Regular checkups are one of the best ways we can work together to keep your mouth and body healthy. If you’re in need of a dentist, there’s never been a better time to call my dental office in Columbia. We’ll work with you to get you healthy, for life.

If you want to learn about World Oral Health Day and how you can help get the message out, head on over to the World Dental Federation website to find tons of great information.

Accepting patients from Columbia, Elgin, and Lugoff.