Smile with Confidence this World Oral Health Day: A Happy Mouth is a Happy Mind

Mar 18, 2025

Did you know that tooth decay and gum disease affect an estimated 3.5 billion people worldwide? But oral health isn’t just about teeth and gums – it’s deeply connected to overall well-being, confidence, and even mental health.

With World Oral Health Day approaching, now is the perfect time to review your oral care routine and make positive changes. This year’s official theme, A Happy Mouth is a Happy Mind, highlights the link between good oral hygiene and better mental well-being. At Ordo, we believe that taking care of your smile should be effortless, enjoyable, and effective – and we’re here to help you do just that.

Explore our Sonic+ toothbrushes and Hydro Sonic Water Flosser to elevate your oral care routine to the next level. Let’s make every day a step towards a healthier, happier mouth – and mind.

What is World Oral Health Day?

Celebrated every year on 20 March, World Oral Health Day raises awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. This year’s campaign focuses on the connection between oral health and mental well-being, reinforcing the idea that a healthy mouth contributes to a happier, healthier life.

Poor oral health isn’t just about cavities and gum disease – research shows it can also impact confidence, self-esteem, and even contribute to mental health struggles. That’s why building a solid oral care routine is essential for both physical and emotional well-being.

Oral Health and Overall Well-being

A healthy mouth does more than just help you eat and speak comfortably – it plays a crucial role in your general health and quality of life.

Poor oral health has been linked to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
Gum disease can lead to chronic inflammation, which is associated with various systemic health issues.
Tooth loss and untreated decay can cause pain, difficulty eating, and a decline in self-confidence.
Emerging research shows a link between oral health and mental health, highlighting that dental issues can contribute to anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

By prioritising your daily oral hygiene, you’re not just protecting your teeth – you’re investing in your overall health and happiness.

Daily Habits for a Healthier Mouth and Mind

Simple, daily practices can make a significant difference in your oral health, helping you maintain a great smile and overall wellbeing.

1. Build a Strong Oral Care Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to good oral health. Follow these essential steps:

Brush properly – Brush twice daily for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste to protect against cavities.
Use an electric toothbrush – It’s clinically proven to remove plaque more effectively than a manual brush.
Floss daily – Brushing alone isn’t enough; flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth.
Spit, don’t rinse – After brushing, spit out toothpaste but don’t rinse with water to allow fluoride to continue protecting your enamel.
Replace your toothbrush head – Change it every three months for optimal performance.

2. Eat Smart for a Healthier Smile

Your diet plays a huge role in your oral health. Here’s how to make tooth-friendly choices:

Limit sugar and acid – Sugary and acidic foods erode enamel and contribute to decay.
Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables – Foods like apples and carrots naturally clean teeth and stimulate saliva production.
Choose dairy for strong enamel – Calcium-rich foods like cheese and yoghurt help strengthen teeth.
Stay hydrated – Drinking water neutralises acids and washes away food particles.
Pick healthy snacks – Nuts, seeds, and cheese are great alternatives to sugary treats.

3. Prioritise Preventive Care

Regular dental visits and professional cleanings help catch issues early and keep your mouth in top condition.

Schedule a check-up every six to twelve months.
Ensure children receive fluoride varnish treatments for extra cavity protection.
Address oral health concerns promptly to prevent more serious complications.

Children’s Oral Health: The Role of Supervised Brushing

Recently, the UK government announced a new supervised toothbrushing programme aimed at helping 3 to 5-year-olds in deprived areas develop better oral hygiene habits. This initiative comes in response to alarming statistics showing that tooth decay remains one of the most common reasons for hospital admissions in young children.

The government has committed £11 million in funding to local authorities to implement supervised brushing in early years settings, such as nurseries and primary schools, with voluntary participation.

Currently, one in five children aged five in England have experienced tooth decay, with the figure rising to one in three in deprived areas. By supporting young children with supervised brushing in early years settings, the programme aims to instil lifelong healthy habits, reduce hospital admissions for dental extractions, and prevent poor health outcomes later in life.

To better understand parents’ attitudes towards children’s oral health, Ordo conducted a survey in partnership with the Dental Wellness Trust. The findings reveal the everyday struggles families face and the creative strategies they use to encourage regular brushing:

Forgetfulness and distractions – Nearly 1 in 4 children (24%) skip brushing altogether simply because they forget or become distracted, highlighting how fragile a child’s oral care routine can be.
Daily routines under pressure – 52% of parents cite everyday hassles—busy mornings, late-night fatigue, or chaotic schedules—as the biggest reason their children miss brushing.
Taste and motivation barriers – 10% say strong-tasting toothpaste puts their child off, and another 7% point to sensitive teeth or gums as a deterrent.
Parental involvement matters – While 59% of parents brush alongside their children twice a day, 5% admit to doing so only occasionally, and another 5% rarely join in, missing an opportunity to model good habits.
Brushing battles – Parents report using a range of tactics to keep kids engaged:
- 49% swear by a strict routine (brushing after breakfast and before bed).
- 36% use pop songs, brushing apps, or playful timers to make it fun.
- 34% turn brushing into a group activity, brushing alongside their children for encouragement.
- 16% rely on sticker charts or small treats as positive reinforcement.

Despite families' efforts, many parents feel let down by a lack of wider support – 21% believe the entire dental education system is “inadequate,” and 8% argue oral health is often overshadowed by bigger public health concerns.

Opinions on the government’s supervised brushing programme are mixed. While 44% of parents believe it will help prevent early tooth decay and 22% feel relieved that action is being taken, others remain skeptical – 8% doubt its long-term impact, and 4% worry it may not reach the children who need it most.

What’s clear from the survey is that parents face a constant challenge in maintaining a consistent oral care routine for their children. If brushing isn’t made fun, fuss-free, and firmly ingrained from an early age, the UK could see a rise in young children requiring invasive and painful dental treatments.

A Happy Mouth is a Happy Mind

As World Oral Health Day enters its second year under the theme A Happy Mouth is a Happy Mind, the focus is shifting to the vital link between oral health and mental well-being. The campaign, led by FDI World Dental Federation, follows Toothie, the official mascot, on an exciting journey highlighting how prioritising oral care leads to a better quality of life.

A bright, healthy smile isn’t just about appearance – it influences confidence, self-esteem, and mental health. Feeling good about your oral hygiene can reduce anxiety, encourage positive social interactions, and contribute to overall happiness.

Ordo: Making Oral Care Effortless at Every Life Stage

At Ordo, we believe that great oral health should be simple, stylish, and sustainable. Our range of expertly designed products supports you at every stage of life:

Children – Fun, easy-to-use products make brushing enjoyable and build lifelong healthy habits.
Teens & Young Adults – Stylish, portable solutions fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles.
Adults – Effective tools help prevent common issues like sensitivity and enamel wear.
Seniors – Simple, accessible solutions support lifelong oral health and well-being.

Why Choose Ordo?

Science-backed & dentist-approved – Our products are designed with expert input to provide superior oral care.
Affordable & high-quality – Professional-grade care at an accessible price.
Stylish & functional – Thoughtfully designed to fit effortlessly into your daily routine.
Sustainable smiles – We prioritise sustainability, minimising waste and promoting reuse.

Join the Oral Health Revolution

This World Oral Health Day, take control of your oral health with Ordo. Small changes can make a big difference – for both your smile and your wellbeing.

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