World Oral Health Day is approaching and the best way to welcome it is with a bright, healthy smile. And achieving a healthy smile means taking care of our teeth and mouth every day of the year. Dental conditions can cause heart disease and issues with the lungs, they can lower self-confidence and thus affect the mental state of people. This is why it is important to celebrate this day by raising awareness of the prevention of dental diseases, and enabling all people to have access to proper oral care. This article will introduce you to the history and importance of World Oral Health Day, present you with eco-friendly dental products that you can use, and show you the ways in which we help those in need of dental products. Quick Links History of the World Oral Health Day Importance of World Oral Health Day How do we help? Bamboo toothbrushes Bamboo toothbrush heads How to prevent tooth decay History of the World Oral Health Day World Oral Health Day was primarily celebrated on September, 12th, 2007. But, to avoid confusion with the FDI World Dental Congress the date was changed to March, 20th in 2013. This date was not chosen by accident. Namely, the number of teeth that children and seniors should possess to be considered healthy is 20. Adults with 32 teeth and 0 dental cavities are considered healthy. When we turn these numbers into a date, we get March, 20th. And every year since 2013, we celebrate a year-long campaign towards better oral health. The goal is to promote oral care to individuals, companies, and dental practices, and to raise awareness of the oral health importance. Importance of World Oral Health Day Throughout the world, we can see that repairing teeth or doing any sort of oral intervention can cost a fortune, or that people do not have access to proper oral care. And although this is a scary thought, what makes it less scary is that 90% of oral problems are preventable. This year`s theme of World Oral Health Day is A happy mouth is a happy body. Raising awareness of the importance of prevention and ways in which oral health can be promoted is crucial. Luckily, different organizations take part in this campaign throughout the world and we can constantly measure progress and the level of success. How do we help? We believe everyone deserves access to dental products. While it is hard to grasp that for many people around the globe even owning a toothbrush is not a reality, we are here to fight the inequalities away. We, at agood company, have partnered with the Global First Responder and our mission is to provide toothbrushes to everyone who needs them. With each toothbrush and toothbrush head sold, we donate a toothbrush to those in need. Together with you, we create a world that we want to live in, a world where everyone has access to proper oral care. When you buy a dental product for us, you make a person smile at the other end of the globe. Global First Responder Global First Responder is a not-for-profit, volunteer organization that provides help all around the world. For the GFR there are no boundaries and obstacles. They travel to affected areas and provide help in the form that is needed. Earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, or lack of dental products, or education, you name it, they help with everything, restoring the faith in humanity with each trip they make. So far they have made changes in 24 countries, by building new infrastructure after disasters and providing better healthcare solutions. We are proud that we collaborate with such an organization, as we share the same values and goals. Meet the bamboo toothbrushes Our fantastic bamboo toothbrushes are made from sustainably grown bamboo. Bamboo is a highly renewable resource, naturally antibacterial which makes it a perfect ally for maintaining great oral health and preserving the environment at the same time. The handle of the toothbrush has a comfortable grip, which will make brushing your teeth an even more pleasant experience. And, the handle is also compostable, so you can rest assured that it will not pollute the environment. The bamboo toothbrush comes in different, vivid colours, and in two sizes. The adult size is 19cm while the size for the kids is 15 cm. Pick your favourite colour and get your favourite toothbrushes for the entire family. And if you haven`t already switched to them, check out the reasons why you should switch to bamboo toothbrushes now. ...and the toothbrush heads as well Electric toothbrushes are an innovation that helps us tremendously in maintaining oral hygiene and health. If you have a Phillips or an Oral-B electric toothbrush or plan to buy one of these, you will be happy to learn that we offer bamboo toothbrush heads for them. You don`t have to use a plastic toothbrush head anymore, as these are made from sustainably grown bamboo. They come in four different colours and you can choose a medium or sensitive bristle depending on your preference. For the best results, change the toothbrush head every month or every other month. When you order a bamboo dental product, don`t expect it to come in plastic packaging, as this is not in line with our mission. You will receive the product in a beautiful bamboo box that is easily compostable. There is no excess waste and no toxic substances harmful to the environment. How to prevent tooth decay Here are the best ways in which you can prevent tooth decay and preserve your oral health. Low sugar diet and healthy foods One of the key factors for preventing tooth decay is having a low-sugar diet. This means avoiding chocolates, cakes, cookies, juices, and unhealthy snacks. While a low-sugar diet is by no means tempting, as we are surrounded by foods we should avoid, this diet positively impacts our oral health. Our teeth suffer when exposed to sugar, and are prone to getting caries. Gums are sensitive as well and can develop conditions that we need to treat just because of poor food choices. Luckily, we can find sugar in healthy foods such as honey, dates, and fruits. This kind of sugar is a much better option for our oral health and for our body in general. Also, avoid drinking from plastic bottles, and use recycled steel thermal water bottles which are completely safe for our bodies. Avoid smoking and alcohol Another obstacle to better oral health is cigarettes and alcohol. Teeth can lose their natural white colour and become prone to caries due to these nasty habits. Of course, if you smoke or drink on a regular basis, it can take some time to eliminate these habits. But, remember that they are just habits which do not serve you or your oral health. So, start by lowering the number of cigarettes and drinks, until you completely stop using them. This will have numerous positive impacts on your body and mind but mostly on your oral health. And, when you think about it, it is easier to lead a life consuming only high-quality foods and drinks, than spend hours and hours repairing your teeth and your health. Journals are a great way to keep track of your habits, both good and bad. Write down your progress in an eco-friendly stone paper journal and celebrate small wins. Brushing teeth Brushing your teeth at least two times a day is a key habit that will help you prevent unwanted oral conditions. Never go to bed without brushing your teeth, and try to brush them after each meal. In this way, you will clean all the food that was left and prevent the development of cavities and caries. We do live in a hectic world, where we often do not have the time to eat properly, let alone brush our teeth after each meal, but it only takes a couple of minutes. With high-quality, eco-friendly dental products, you will get the maximum results with minimum effort. Regular dental screenings Once or twice a year, you should go to your dentist to have your oral health screened. This is just a visual assessment of your mouth, that can go a long way in ensuring your oral health. Your dentist will be able to see whether there are any gum diseases present, or dental cancer. Just like with any other condition, the sooner your dentist notices any changes, the faster you can react and expect the best outcome. Schedule a visit to your dentist today, even if you are a bit scared. Remember that your goal is to live a long and healthy life, and great oral health will help you achieve this. Choosing eco-friendly products as a way to enhance health and protect the environment A happy mouth is a happy body is the theme of this year`s World Oral Health Day and we could not agree more. Choose eco-friendly products for your dental health, but don`t stop there. Make better choices in your daily routines by including items such as reusable makeup pads, or bamboo socks. Join us in our mission to make this world a better, and healthier place for everyone.