The official theme of the 2020 World Oral Health Day campaign is Say Ahh: Unite for Mouth Health. This year, we want everyone to make a pledge for oral health. Through everyone’s collective pledges and efforts, we hope to reduce the burden of oral disease worldwide.  

What can policymakers and governments do to celebrate World Oral Health Day?

Check out the top five pledges that policymakers and governments can make today to improve oral health and promote happier, healthier lives. Download the action toolkit for a full list of ways that policymakers and governments can support World Oral Health Day.

PLEDGE TO ENSURE TRANSPARENT FOOD LABELLING TO HELP PEOPLE MAKE HEALTHIER FOOD CHOICES

Added sugar is a crucial causal factor in the development of tooth decay and obesity. Sugar is often “hidden” in various packaged and processed foods. Did you know that 1 tablespoon of ketchup contains approximately 4 grams (1 teaspoon) of sugar? A single can of sugar-sweetened soda contains up to 40 grams (around 10 teaspoons) of sugar. 

PLEDGE TO ELIMINATE TAXES ON FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE AND ENFORCE EQUITY PRICING TO MAKE IT ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE TO ALL

→ Fluoride toothpaste is a highly desirable public health measure and the WHO recommends the removal of taxes and tariffs on fluoride toothpaste. There are several cost-effective options to make fluoride toothpaste available, which can and should be applied according to your country’s regional realities and legislation.

PLEDGE TO INTEGRATE ORAL HEALTH INTO POLICIES ADDRESSING OTHER NCDS

→ Research shows that effective regional and national strategies to promote oral health and prevent oral diseases result in population-wide improvement of oral health and can contribute to preventing the leading noncommunicable diseases, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases.

PLEDGE TO INTEGRATE ORAL HEALTH INTO PRIMARY HEALTHCARE

→ Globally, there are severe disparities in oral health and inequities in access to oral healthcare. Incorporating oral care services as part of comprehensive primary healthcare can help reduce cost and quality shortfalls by treating patients under the same system.

PLEDGE TO INTEGRATE ESSENTIAL ORAL HEALTH SERVICES INTO YOUR COUNTRY’S UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE PACKAGE

→ Universal health coverage (UHC) provides a unique opportunity to improve access to essential oral health services and address substantial out-of-pocket expenses associated with oral healthcare in many countries. Integrating essential oral health services into UHC will help improve health outcomes and reduce fundamental inequalities in access to care.  

Why celebrate World Oral Health Day?

World Oral Health Day is celebrated every year on 20 March. The WOHD campaign provides an ideal platform to raise awareness and encourage commitments and action to promote good oral health. By leveraging thoughtfully coordinated efforts at the local, national, and global levels, the voice of the oral health community can be amplified in the lead-up to WOHD every year. 

The growing burden of oral disease demands action on every level: individual, family and community. FDI is confident that simple, targeted action has the power to curb the prevalence of oral diseases and make oral health a personal priority for all.