TEHRAN – The ministry of health kicked off today an oral health campaign with the main objective of raising awareness about the fundamental role of oral and dental health in overall health.

Under the theme of 'mouth is the gateway to health', the campaign will wrap up on Wednesday.

There is a two-way relationship between periodontal diseases and diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory infections, premature birth, and low birth weight babies.

Smoking is one of the leading causes of oral cancer, and poor oral hygiene is directly linked to mental health issues and heart diseases. Gum diseases are associated with diabetes. So good oral health is essential for overall well-being.

‘Oral and dental health, child health’ is the theme of the second day of the campaign. Oral health education programs will be conducted in schools to raise students' awareness. Also, the oral and dental health of students will be checked, and if a student needs treatment, they will be referred to health centers.

On the third day of the campaign, the focus will be on ‘the role of governmental and non-governmental organizations in oral and dental health’.

The role of different institutions and individuals in promoting oral and dental health will be clarified.

Overall, the goal of the oral health campaign is to improve awareness of dental health and underscore the significance of oral care.

Basic dental services are accessible to everyone in health centers, with free dental care services offered in villages and cities with a population of less than 20,000 people.

FDI World Dental Federation theme for the 2024 campaign will be ‘A happy mouth is a happy body’, encouraging people to understand the benefits of a happy, healthy mouth by shedding light on the intricate link between oral health and general health.

Health is a universal right

Health is a universal right and responsibility that is not limited to any specific age group, culture, or nationality, Health Minister Bahram Einollahi has said.

All members of society from their childhood to old age have the right to access high-quality health services without financial worries.

Access to clean drinking water, soil, air, and food is a fundamental right and responsibility, the Health Ministry’s website quoted Einollahi as saying.

He made the remarks on the occasion of World Health Day 2024, calling upon decision-makers to create conducive environments for individuals to actively participate in creating and maintaining health, from home to the community and the environment.

He went on to say that the family health program and referral system in Iran is one of the most advanced health programs in the world. It aims to enhance everyone’s access to health services, promote well-being, and achieve significant welfare objectives. 

Launched last year, the program seeks to foster a healthy, vibrant society through national and collective efforts at all levels of society.

The upcoming National Health Week will set health priorities for the next year in alignment with the national plans and priorities.

MT/MG