- Categories:
- Health
- Tags:
- Awareness
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every June
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- 🦷
Oral Health Month champions the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene throughout June. This annual observance, supported by organizations like the American Dental Association, encourages preventative care. Commit to regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups for a healthier smile.
Want to sponsor Oral Health Month? Learn how
Expected Oral Health Month Deals
Oral Health Month shifts focus from traditional deals to widespread awareness and community support initiatives. Expect dental practices to offer free or discounted screenings and cleanings, especially for underserved communities. Brands like Colgate and Oral-B often partner with nonprofits such as the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) to promote educational campaigns, distribute free dental hygiene kits, and support school programs. Look for local pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens to feature promotions on toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwash, often coupled with educational materials. Community health centers may host free workshops on proper brushing techniques and diet for oral health. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as June approaches.
Platform Guide for Oral Health Month
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #OralHealthMonth. Share educational infographics on dental care or host a live Q&A with a dental professional.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #OralHealthMonth. Post visually appealing tips for brushing and flossing, or share before-and-after stories of oral health transformations.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #OralHealthMonth. Join conversations about dental health policy, share quick facts, or retweet updates from leading dental organizations.
Oral Health Month Hero
Dr. Willoughby D. Miller
History of Oral Health Month
People have been watching their oral health for a long time. The initial toothbrushes were made of tree twigs. People would chew on the twigs to spread the fibers, which acted like bristles to clean their teeth. In fact, the ancient Greeks used pumice, talc, alabaster, coral powder, or iron rust as toothpaste.
A dentist in Connecticut, Alfred Fones, understood the importance of oral healthcare and trained his cousin to become the first dental hygienist. This gave an impetus for the very first dental hygiene program to be established in Bridgeport, Connecticut, by Dr. Fones. Years later, the American Dental Hygiene Association was formed and, soon, all 50 states of America had licensed dental hygienists. This advancement resulted in the innovation of several healthcare and technology devices that brought oral health to what it is now. A special book commonly called the “Dental Hygiene Bible” (real name, “1st Edition of Clinical Practice of The Dental Hygienist”) was published by Dr. Esther Wilkins during this time.
The Civil Rights Movement was also responsible for contributing to changes in oral health. The ADHA lifted its previous restrictions for admissions based on race, color, and creed. They soon also lifted the word ‘female’ from the ADHA constitution, allowing males to graduate in dental hygiene. Jack Orio became the first male student to do so.
As the American Dental Association believes, several items that make present oral healthcare much easier were developed in the 17th century — such as the usage of white enamel for teeth and nitrous oxide as anesthesia — and the next years were instrumental in establishing dental hygiene as a practice across America. Another historic milestone was the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 19th century, which is when personal protective equipment became mandated for all dental healthcare professionals.
Oral Health Month timeline
An Egyptian by the name of Hesi-Re is the world’s earliest recorded dentist.
A Chinese medical text shows silver paste is used as a mixture to maintain oral health.
American dentist Josiah Flagg invents a dental chair with extended armrests to hold medical instruments and an adjustable headrest, forever changing the dental hygiene experience as we know it.
Toothpaste in tubes is easily available, helping more people improve their oral health cheaply.
One of Sir Isaac Newton's teeth sells in London for $3,633 and is set in a ring.
Lucy Beaman Hobbs becomes the first licensed female dentist.
Commercial floss is first manufactured.
Irene Newman, a dental assistant, is trained to clean teeth, becoming the first dental hygienist.
Developed in Switzerland, electric toothbrushes first appear in America.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Oral Health Month
Local dental practices can host open house events, offering free consultations or discounted cleanings throughout June. Pharmacies and health food stores can create special displays for oral hygiene products and provide educational brochures on preventative care. Restaurants might offer ‘healthy smile’ menu options, highlighting foods beneficial for dental health. Businesses can also partner with local schools to conduct workshops on proper brushing techniques or donate oral care kits to students, reinforcing the importance of oral health from a young age.
Oral Health Month FAQs
When is Oral Health Month?
In 2027, Oral Health Month will again be observed throughout June, emphasizing the crucial connection between oral health and overall well-being. Plan your dental check-ups accordingly.
How many people are affected by oral diseases?
Globally, a significant portion of the population continues to grapple with oral health issues, with untreated tooth decay being the most prevalent condition. Efforts during Oral Health Month aim to reduce this burden through education and access to care.
What is the economic impact of poor oral health?
Poor oral health can lead to significant financial strain on individuals and healthcare systems alike, often resulting in expensive interventions that could have been avoided with preventative measures. Investing in oral health yields long-term savings.
Why is oral health important for overall health?
The mouth is often called a ‘mirror’ to the body, reflecting signs of various systemic diseases. Neglecting oral health can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially contributing to inflammation and infection in other parts of the body, underscoring its critical role in holistic well-being.
How To Celebrate Oral Health Month
Take care of oral issues
Read up on all the issues that can affect your oral health. Make note of everything you can do together with your family to better your oral health like brushing, flossing, and more. A healthy mouth leads to a happy life, we believe, and Oral Health Month is the perfect time to start taking care of it.
Smile and show off your oral health
Have a perfect set of pearly whites? Show them off to the world and share your tips on how to maintain good oral health. You can even post a picture of you, your smile, and your family, all taking care of your oral health together. Encourage others to do the same. Liking and sharing others’ efforts counts too.
Made a dental appointment
Visit your dentist for a quick oral check-up. You can also schedule a visit to the dental hygienist and share your experience to encourage others to do the same.
5 Interesting Facts About Teeth
Teeth cannot heal themselves
Teeth are the only part of the body that cannot heal themselves.
We see only a part of our teeth
We actually see only 1/3 of our teeth; the other â…” is hidden under the gums.
Smiles are the first thing people notice
50% of people say smiles are the very first feature they notice about other people.
We spend almost 40 days brushing our teeth
On average, people spend around 38.5 days in their lifetime brushing their teeth.
Flossing is a lifesaver
Dentists say flossing can increase life expectancy by six years, as it reduces chances of infectious diseases and even prevents heart attacks.
Why We Love Oral Health Month
Healthy pearly whites
Oral Health Month reminds us of all the ways we can protect our teeth. Since smiles are the first things people see, we want them to be our brightest feature. That, plus good oral hygiene helps keep our teeth and gums healthy too.
We honor those who came before
We believe emphasizing oral health honors the work of everyone who had a hand in taking dentistry and oral health to the heights it enjoys today. They worked tirelessly towards better oral health; the least we can do is maintain this practice in our own lives.
Healthy by association
Good oral hygiene practices keep your teeth and gums in top shape and influence your loved ones to do the same too. The more we learn about various healthy practices, the more we take pride in maintaining them, and subsequently, the bigger the difference we can make in our family’s and friends’ oral health.
Social Media Tips for Oral Health Month
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