Press Release

Opening ceremony of World Oral Health Day carnival held today

20 March 2015

The Department of Health (DH) today (March 20) held a carnival for World Oral Health Day to promote oral health awareness in the community in support of the appeal from the FDI World Dental Federation (FDI).

"According to information from FDI, 90 per cent of the world's population suffers from oral diseases in their lifetime but many of them can be prevented and treated with good oral care," the Consultant-in-Charge, Dental Service of the DH, Dr Joseph Chan, said at the carnival's opening ceremony.

"In Hong Kong, the Oral Health Survey 2011 indicated that although members of the public generally brushed their teeth daily, almost every person had half or more of their teeth covered with dental plaque and more than 80 per cent of them had gum bleeding around half or more of their teeth. To improve this situation, the DH organises the 'Love Teeth Campaign' every year, and as an event of the campaign, this carnival aims to remind the public to stay vigilant on their oral health and to establish a good oral care habit, especially on gum health," he said.

"We hope the public will increase their concern about oral health and daily mouth care through the interactive games, exhibitions on oral health information and teeth cleaning skills demonstrations in this carnival," he added

FDI designated March 20 each year as World Oral Health Day and called on the dental profession and community groups to hold events on that day for improving oral health and care awareness in the community. The theme of World Oral Health Day this year is "Smile for life" which aims to remind people that they should pay attention to oral health from an early age and prevent oral disease for lifelong oral health and a beautiful smile.

The public may visit the website of the DH's Oral Health Education Unit for more information on oral health ( www.toothclub.gov.hk/en/en_index.html ).