World Oral Health Day highlights need for good hygiene (2025)

20 March 2024 is World Oral Health Day, an important global event that aims to raise awareness about the importance of oral health and its impact on overall well-being. World Oral Health Day is led by the FDI (Fédération Dentaire Internationale) World Dental Federation, and the annual observance encourages individuals, healthcare professionals and policymakers to take action toward improving oral hygiene. Better oral hygiene can help reduce the burden of dental diseases worldwide and lead to better overall health.

Oral health plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, yet it is often overlooked. Poor oral hygiene can lead to cavities, gum disease and tooth loss. However, the consequences extend beyond the mouth. Research has established strong links between oral health and systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory infections and even adverse pregnancy outcomes.

The theme for World Oral Health Day 2024: A Happy Mouth, A Happy Body, emphasises the connection between a healthy smile and overall well-being. Through global campaigns, educational initiatives and community outreach, the day emphasises the need for proper oral care, access to dental services and policies that support good oral health habits. The diseases and conditions linked to poor oral hygiene include oral cancer, which affects the lips, tongue, cheeks and throat. Oral cancer is often linked to risk factors such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption and human papillomavirus infection. Poor oral hygiene can also be linked to diabetes complications, as those with diabetes are more prone to gum disease due to weakened immunity and poor blood sugar control.

One of the most common diseases associated with poor oral health is periodontal disease or gum disease. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, beginning with gingivitis and potentially progressing to periodontitis, leading to bone and tissue damage. According to GlobalData, more than 280,000 people in the US were diagnosed with periodontitis in 2024. Of those cases, 27.9% of patients needed dental implants.

Poor oral hygiene can also have significant implications for the dental devices market, as it can increase the need for dental implants, bridges, dentures and crowns. According to GlobalData, the dental implants and abutments market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% up to 2034, while the prefabricated crowns and bridges market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% over the same period.

World Oral Health Day brings attention to an issue that is often overlooked – despite the fact that poor oral hygiene can lead to severe consequences. Oral hygiene is driving the demand for restorative and preventative solutions in the dental market, and even outside of dental devices in more severe cases.