By RR
Since World Oral Health Day is around the corner, we put together some facts that you might find interesting. Yup, you read that right. World Oral Health Day is an actual thing. One day of the year dedicated to celebrating those dashing smiles. On March 20th annually, several countries around the globe unite to raise awareness on oral hygiene and it turns out, it’s actually more important than you’d think!
First declared in 2007 and completely initiated in 2013 by the FDI World Dental Federation, the World Oral Health Day aims to raise awareness and combat the effects of oral diseases that affect a whopping 3.5 billion people worldwide. If you didn’t know before, well now you do.
Without further ado, here’s five fascinating facts surrounding your smile, teeth and dental hygiene.
1. Say cheese!
According to a US survey of 2000 participants, 76% of people say that a person’s smile is the first thing they notice. Not their designer clothing, chic hairdo or expensive watches but simply, their smile. The same survey revealed that 57% form their first impression of someone based on their smile. It’s true what they say, a smile is indeed the best accessory you can wear!
2. You are unique and so are your teeth.
If dental records were to be compared of the 7.7 billion of earth’s population, and all those dead and all those yet to be born, no two teeth would be completely identical. Fascinating, huh? Just like snowflakes and fingerprints, teeth have their own distinct features that set them apart from each other.
3. Your mouth: The bacterial hang-out spot.
This one’s less fascinating and more horrifying. The population of bacteria inside our mouths can equal the population of humans on earth or even outnumber it. A mind-boggling 700 or more different bacterial species inhabit our mouths. But before you panic, not all of it’s bad. There are actually groups of good bacteria living in our mouth that help combat bad breath as well as maintain healthy teeth and gums.
4. Smile more, Live more!
Not only does smiling trigger your happy hormones like dopamine but it also releases endorphins, a chemical that acts as the body’s natural painkiller and stress reliever. It reduces your blood pressure, heart rate and even boosts your immune system. In the long run, it increases your life expectancy than if you were constantly frowning and it sure makes you a cooler person to hang around with.
5. Your teeth say it all!
A continuously growing body of evidence shows that your oral health is a window to the overall health of your body. Indicators for diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke can be identified from the mouth itself. For example, more often than not, diabetic patients also have gum disease.Life’s arguably short and your teeth don’t stick around forever. So, smile while you still have teeth but more importantly, take care of them!
