March 20 – World Oral Health Day

March 20 – World Oral Health Day

A simple step, a big impact: caring for your oral health

On March 20, the world marks World Oral Health Day—an initiative that reminds us of something seemingly simple, yet essential: a healthy smile is key to overall health.

How did it all begin?

World Oral Health Day has been celebrated since 2007, initiated by the FDI World Dental Federation. Initially observed in September, the date was moved to March 20 in 2013.

The date is symbolic:

• Children have 20 primary (baby) teeth
• Healthy adults should retain at least 20 natural teeth at the end of life

The message is clear: health starts in the mouth.

A bigger problem than we think

Oral health is often underestimated, but the reality is alarming:

• 3.7 billion people worldwide suffer from oral diseases
• Tooth decay (dental caries) is the most common disease globally
• Over 514 million children are affected by caries in primary teeth
• Up to 90% of people will experience an oral health issue in their lifetime

What about Bulgaria?

The data is even more concerning:

• 98.5% of Bulgarians have dental caries
• Over 790,000 children in Bulgaria are affected
• Nearly half of children (48%) have untreated caries

This makes tooth decay not just a cosmetic issue, but a significant public health concern.

Why is oral hygiene so important?

The oral cavity is the body’s gateway.

Poor oral hygiene may lead to:

• Tooth decay and periodontal disease
• Chronic inflammation
• Links to systemic conditions (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes)

The good news?
Most oral diseases are preventable.

How to brush your teeth properly

Technique matters just as much as frequency.

✔ Brush twice daily (morning and evening)
✔ Brush for at least 2 minutes
✔ Use a suitable toothbrush
✔ Apply gentle movements from gum to tooth
✔ Don’t forget the tongue and interdental spaces

Tip: Replace your toothbrush every 2–3 months. After illness (e.g., flu or cold), replace it again to avoid re-exposure to pathogens.

How to choose the right toothpaste

Choosing the right toothpaste is essential for long-term oral health.

Alongside traditional fluoride toothpastes, innovative hydroxyapatite-based formulations are gaining increasing attention.

Innovation in oral care: nano-hydroxyapatite

Hydroxyapatite is the primary mineral that makes up tooth enamel.

The Japanese company SANGI has developed patented medical nano-hydroxyapatite (nano<mHAP>), which:

✔ Helps prevent plaque accumulation
✔ Repairs microscopic enamel damage
✔ Supports remineralization
✔ Reduces tooth sensitivity

Most importantly:
Scientific evidence shows that its effectiveness in remineralization and anti-caries protection is comparable to fluoride toothpastes.

A new approach: remineralization while brushing

Traditionally, brushing is seen as cleaning.

Modern formulations with nano-hydroxyapatite go a step further:
They remineralize teeth while you brush.

This means:

• Not just removing plaque
• But actively restoring enamel

Care for the whole family

Oral hygiene should begin early in life.

This is especially important for children:

• Building healthy habits
• Choosing appropriate products
• Attending regular dental check-ups

Because childhood caries often lead to problems later in life.

In conclusion

World Oral Health Day reminds us that:

Oral care is not just a routine—it is an investment in health and quality of life.

The combination of:

• Regular dental visits
• Proper daily hygiene
• Informed product choices
• Innovative solutions such as nano-hydroxyapatite

is the key to healthy teeth.

Because a healthy smile starts with small, everyday choices.

It is no coincidence that the theme of World Oral Health Day 2026 is “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life.”