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Healthy Teeth, Healthy Life – Experts Urge: "Protect Your Smile, Embrace Confidence"
HONG KONG, March 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A healthy mouth is the foundation of both physical and mental well-being and plays a vital role in enhancing overall quality of life. This year, FDI World Oral Health Day continues with the theme: "A HAPPY MOUTH IS… A HAPPY BODY." In support of this message, Mars, Incorporated—through its Extra® Oral Healthcare Program, a long-time advocate for oral wellness—echoes the global initiative with the call to action: "A healthy mouth will make you smile—inside and out!" The campaign is supported by Professor Chun-Hung Chu, Chair of the FDI Public Health Committee and Chair Professor & Associate Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at The University of Hong Kong.
According to a 2022 survey by the World Health Organization, oral diseases are the most common non-communicable diseases worldwide, affecting over 3.5 billion people¹. The survey reported that 2 billion people suffer from untreated dental caries (cavities) in permanent teeth, and 514 million children are affected by untreated dental caries in their primary teeth. These figures highlight the global significance of oral health issues. However, most oral diseases are preventable!
Professor Chu pointed out that dental caries has a significant impact on oral health related quality of life². He emphasized the importance of oral health through the advocacy of FDI World Oral Health Day, calling attention to its relevance to global public health. Professor Chu stated: "Regular dental check-ups, brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, are fundamental habits for maintaining oral health." He also encouraged parents to help their children develop proper oral care routines. This not only improves the family's overall oral health, but also enhances their quality of life.
Professor Chu urges Hong Kong residents to maintain good oral hygiene habits. In addition to regular dental check-ups, people should brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste every morning and evening. They should also use dental floss or interdental brushes to clean between their teeth and reduce or avoid sugary foods. Adults and children aged four or above can chew sugar-free gum. Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, neutralizes acids in the mouth, and effectively prevents cavities³. The benefits of sugar-free gum for caries prevention have been recognized by the World Dental Federation (FDI).
1 Global Oral Health Status Report: Towards Universal Health Coverage for Oral Health by 2030, Geneva: World Health Organization; 2022. |
2 Duangthip, D., Gao, S.S., Chen, K.J., Lo, E.C.M., & Chu, C.H. (2020). Oral health-related quality of life and caries experience of Hong Kong preschool children. International Dental Journal, 70(2), 100–107. |
3 Nasseripour M, Newton JT, Warburton F, Awojobi O, Di Giorgio S, Gallagher JE, Banerjee A. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Role of Sugar-Free Chewing Gum on Plaque Quantity in the Oral Cavity. Front Oral Health. 2022 Mar 30;3:845921. doi: 10.3389/froh.2022.845921 |
