World Oral Health Day spreads healthy mouth message with first mobile game

The FDI World Dental Federation and the world's dental community celebrates World Oral Health Day on 20 March 2016 with the launch of their first-ever mobile game.

Mad Mouths, available free on the Apple App Store and Google Play, educates players on the importance of oral health as they defeat plaque, foods and 'bugs' found in the mouth.

In the game, players use a toothbrush to eradicate 'bugs' and foods moving around the screen. The player uses their finger to control the brush and earn bonus points for quickly brushing away food as a reminder of the importance of brushing teeth after eating or drinking.

Oral care tips also appear on-screen throughout the game.

Dr David Digges from the National Dental Foundation says the game is an innovative platform to spread the 2016 World Oral Health Day message that keeping a healthy mouth is directly linked to maintaining a healthy body.

This year, World Oral Health Day coincides with the ADX16 Sydney dental exhibition that's being held over 18-20 March 2016 in the Sydney Exhibition @ Glebe Island.

"Behind the fun of Mad Mouths and celebration of World Oral Health Day is a serious message," says Dr Digges, speaking from ADX16 Sydney.

"Having a healthy mouth goes far beyond having a nice smile; a 2010 study found that 40 per cent of people with gum disease also reported a second chronic condition.

"Research has repeatedly associated poor oral health and gum disease with health conditions including heart disease, pancreatic cancer, pneumonia and lung disease."

Across Australian and globally World Oral Health Day is celebrated each year to promote the benefits of a healthy mouth and worldwide awareness of the importance of oral hygiene for people old and young.

The event is supported in Australia by dental product manufacturers and suppliers through peak dental body the Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA), many of which are exhibiting at ADX16 Sydney, the nation's largest healthcare tradeshow that attracts more than 8,000 stakeholders from across the dental community.

Dr Digges says the simple routine of brushing teeth twice a day and keeping a healthy mouth is a key precaution against oral disease and overall health.

"Oral diseases affect 3.9 billion people worldwide and between 60 and 90 per cent of children globally suffer from tooth decay," he says. "But there is a lack of understanding of the key role that oral health plays in our overall health.

"Simple steps such as brushing twice daily for two minutes needs to be integrated into all our oral care routines."

The ADX16 Sydney dental exhibition is presented by ADIA and runs 18-20 March 2016 at the Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island.