World Oral Health Day (March 20th)

Quick facts
When is it?	Every March 20th
Tagged as:	Body & Health Healthcare
What's the hashtag?	#WorldOralHealthDay
We first published this page on:	Mar 4th, 2025
We last updated this page:	Mar 4th, 2025

Oral hygiene is the secret to a confident smile and a healthier life. World Oral Health Day spreads this message loud and clear, reminding everyone that taking care of teeth and gums isn’t just about fresh breath—it’s about total well-being.

A clean mouth helps prevent painful cavities, gum disease, and even serious health problems like heart disease. This global event inspires people to brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly. Simple habits today can mean a lifetime of strong, healthy teeth.

Ignoring oral health can lead to more than just a toothache. Poor hygiene has been linked to serious conditions like diabetes and infections that affect the whole body. World Oral Health Day encourages everyone to take action before problems arise.

It’s about education, awareness, and motivation. When people understand the impact of good dental care, they’re more likely to make it a priority. A healthy mouth isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity for a better quality of life.

How to Celebrate World Oral Health Day

Celebrating World Oral Health Day offers a delightful opportunity to promote dental well-being. Here are some engaging ways to participate:

Host a ‘Brush and Boogie’ Session

Combine toothbrushing with dance to make oral care fun. Play lively tunes and encourage participants to brush for two minutes while grooving to the beat. This activity emphasizes the importance of proper brushing duration in an enjoyable manner.

Organize Free Dental Check-ups

Arrange for local dentists to provide complimentary oral examinations. This initiative can help individuals detect potential issues early and receive professional advice on maintaining oral health.

Launch an Oral Health Awareness Campaign

Utilize social media platforms to share tips, facts, and personal stories related to dental care. Creating engaging content can inspire others to prioritize their oral hygiene routines.

Conduct Educational Workshops in Schools

Teach children the significance of brushing, flossing, and healthy eating habits. Interactive sessions with demonstrations can instill lifelong positive habits in young minds.

Distribute Fun Educational Materials

Provide coloring books, puzzles, and posters that highlight dental care practices. These materials can engage both children and adults, making learning about oral health enjoyable.

By embracing these activities, communities can come together to promote the importance of maintaining a healthy smile.

History of Oral Health Day

World Oral Health Day began in 2007, established by the FDI World Dental Federation. At the beginning, the celebration took part on September 12, honoring FDI founder Dr. Charles Godon. In 2013, the date moved to March 20 to encourage greater global participation. The new date was chosen to reflect that:

Seniors must have a total of 20 natural teeth at the end of their life to be considered healthy.
Children should possess 20 baby teeth.
Healthy adults must have a total of 32 teeth and 0 dental cavities.

Expressed on a numerical basis, this can be translated as 3/20, hence March 20. Since then, this day has promoted global awareness of oral health’s importance.

Each year, the campaign focuses on a specific theme, reaching out to the public, oral health professionals, and policymakers to help reduce the burden of oral disease.

See what else is happening…

There’s always more going on every month at Days Of The Year. Here are our favorites this month!

World Oral Health Day