World Oral Health Day Highlights the Importance of Oral and Dental Care

‘There will be comprehensive informative activities in Latvia, and a month-long drawing contest for children.’

Assoc. Prof. Egita Senakola,
Head of the Dental Hygiene study programme at the RSU Faculty of Dentistry

Simple yet important oral health habits

• Diet:reduce the amount and frequency of sugar intake in foods and beverages
• Brushing:brush your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste that contain fluoride
• Dentists' visits:checking the oral cavity regularly at intervals specified by a dentist or dental hygienist, taking into account the patient's risk of developing oral disease
• Using mouthguards while exercising
• Saying 'NO' to tobacco! quit using tobacco and electronic smoking devices
• Consume moderate quantities of alcoholic beverages

‘Citizens, dentists, and dental hygienists are invited to raise awareness and inform government representatives, professional medical associations, and the general public about the importance of maintaining good oral health on World Oral Health Day,’ said Assoc. Prof. Senakola. She goes on to add that both dentists’ and dental students’ associations around the world also take part in these activities. In the previous two years, the RSU Dental Student Association, the Latvian Dental Hygienists' Association, as well as the RSU Faculty of Dentistry carried out various activities dedicated to the World Oral Health Day that usually last a longer period of time. World Oral Health Day has been historically celebrated since the 1990s.

All professional dental associations in Latvia are united in supporting the campaign for the first time, and will post these informative materials on their Facebook profiles and websites. These include the Latvian Association of Periodontologists, the Latvian Dental Association, the Latvian Dental Hygienists' Association, and the RSU Dental Student Association. The RSU Faculty of Dentistry and the RSU Institute of Stomatology are also participating in the implementation of activities. Both experienced and prospective dentists and dental hygienists are widely involved in organising the World Oral Health Day.

This year, students from the RSU Faculty of Dentistry decided to actively participate in a month-long campaign, translating and distributing informative materials created by the World Dental Federation (FDI) to promote oral health. Information on Latvia's activities can be found on the World Dental Federation (FDI) World Oral Health Day campaign’s website: www.worldoralhealthday.org. Educational materials will also be distributed on various social networks, such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, as well as radio, television and print media.