“A Happy Mouth is… a happy life”
World Oral Health Day is celebrated annually on 20th March to raise global awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral health. Oral health is not only about having clean teeth or a beautiful smile; it is an essential part of overall health, well-being, confidence, and quality of life. The theme “ A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Mind ” highlights the strong connection between oral health and physical, mental, and social well-being. Good oral health enables children and adults to eat comfortably, speak clearly, smile confidently, and live free from pain and discomfort. On the other hand, oral diseases such as dental caries, gum disease, oral infections, and tooth loss can negatively affect daily activities, school performance, nutrition, and self-esteem. Among school children, dental caries remains one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. Frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks, poor brushing habits, lack of fluoride exposure, and irregular dental visits contribute significantly to oral health problems. Poor oral health may cause pain, difficulty eating, disturbed sleep, poor concentration in classrooms, and reduced academic performance. Preventive oral health practices are simple but highly effective. Brushing teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste, reducing sugary snacks and beverages, maintaining a balanced diet, and attending regular dental check-ups are important steps in preventing dental diseases. Parents, teachers, and health care workers all play a vital role in promoting healthy oral habits among children from an early age. School dental services have a significant responsibility in improving children ’s oral health through oral examinations, preventive care, health education, and community awareness programs. Dental therapists contribute greatly to identifying oral diseases early, educating children and parents, and encouraging lifelong healthy behaviors. World Oral Health Day is an opportunity to strengthen public awareness regarding the importance of oral hygiene and preventive dentistry. Schools can organize oral health education sessions, poster competitions, tooth-brushing demonstrations, and community outreach programs to encourage children to value their oral health. Maintaining a healthy mouth contributes to happiness, confidence, and overall well-being. Therefore, everyone should work together to create healthier smiles and healthier futures for children and communities. Written by: Samitha Gamage Dental Therapist Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka
