2024-03-25 16:02:18
Greeks have lost their bright smile, as nine out of ten do not make an appointment with the dentist for financial reasons.
At the same time, almost half of young people (46.8%) need some kind of dental or orthodontic examination or treatment, according to an ELSTAT survey conducted in 2023. Of these, 32% did not get the dental care they needed because they do not have money.
The above alarming figures are provided by the Attica Dental Association and the Hellenic Dental Federation, on the occasion of World Oral Health Day on March 20.
Although oral diseases are largely preventable, the number of people suffering from them remains very high. It is estimated that oral diseases affect more than 3.5 billion people worldwide.
Adopting a balanced diet, brushing our teeth at least twice a day and visiting the dentist regularly are the most important steps we can take to protect and strengthen our oral health.
The Hellenic Dental Federation has designated 2024 as the “Year of Oral Health” and is launching an information campaign with the central message “hello to your mouth”, with the aim of raising public awareness of the value of oral health and the effort to adopt a standard care for the oral cavity.
At the same time, the declaration of 2024 as the year of oral health has a double meaning, as it marks 30 years since the first celebration of the year of oral health in 1994 and 190 years since the professional rights of dentists in Greece were secured.
At the same time, World Oral Health Day 2024 is the first for the next three-year campaign that will carry the single central theme “A happy mouth is… a happy body”. The message is an empowering call to action to educate people in detail about the importance of oral care and appreciate the special value of prevention.
As part of its actions for this year, the Hellenic Dental Federation will carry out an informational campaign today, Wednesday, March 20:
At the Omonia and Evangelismos stations from 9 am with the support of STASY, with the aim of informing young and old about the proper care of our teeth, while educational material on oral health education will be given to all children.
There will be an event together with the Municipality of Elliniko-Argyroupoli for People with Special Needs, on Thursday, March 21 – which has been established as World Down Syndrome Day – at 10am at the Disabled Persons Building Complex in Elliniko.
At the same time, on these days a series of actions will be carried out in municipalities throughout the country by the local Dental Associations.
Also, the Hellenic Dental Federation continues to publish posts on social media (Facebook, Instagram and YouTube) in accordance with the guidelines of the World Dental Federation.
In this context, the Hellenic Dental Federation presents on social media “Tuthi”, the beaver-dentist, who with his all-white smile will show step by step what a healthy mouth can offer.
As part of its campaign, EOO will provide useful advice on primary dental care, but also on the important role of dentists in the adoption of good and systematic oral hygiene.
Let’s not forget that a healthy mouth is a vital and integral part of a person’s general health and well-being and plays an important role in every moment of our daily life, as with it we enjoy a meal, talk, laugh with our loved ones, sing, kiss …