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“A happy mouth is a happy mind”: FDI highlights the link between oral and mental health with a new song

Thu. 20. March 2025

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GENEVA, Switzerland: How does oral health affect mental well-being? This World Oral Health Day (WOHD), celebrated globally every year on March 20, FDI World Dental Federation aims to answer that question with a catchy new song, now available on all streaming platforms. The song invites people worldwide to sing along and raise awareness about the inextricable link between oral health and mental well-being.

The WOHD campaign continues its three-year theme of “A happy mouth is ...”, shifting focus from the mouth–body connection in 2024 to the mouth–mind connection in 2025, encapsulated by the slogan “A happy mouth is a happy mind”. This year’s theme emphasises that caring for the oral cavity not only supports overall health but also boosts self-esteem, enhances confidence and improves quality of life.

FDI World Dental Federation's mascot, Toothie. (Image: FDI)

The heart of the campaign is its lively new anthem and an accompanying video featuring Toothie, FDI’s beloved oral health mascot. The song is designed to inspire everyone—individuals, communities, policymakers—to prioritise oral health. After all, everyone deserves a healthy mouth, free from oral disease.

“Oral health is a right, not a privilege,” said FDI President Dr Greg Chadwick. “Yet, for many people around the world, access to essential dental care remains out of reach. Despite progress, oral health inequalities persist globally. Many underprivileged communities and vulnerable groups face significant barriers to accessing affordable, quality dental care, leaving them at greater risk of preventable diseases. As oral health is a key pillar of universal health coverage, FDI continues to advocate for comprehensive and inclusive healthcare policies,” he continued. In this context, WOHD serves as a powerful opportunity to unite and amplify voices, urging governments to take decisive action.

“That is why we are incredibly proud to partner with organisations like Haleon, Dentsply Sirona, Solventum and Smile Train,” Dr Chadwick added. “Through these collaborations, we extend our reach, raise awareness and empower individuals to take control of their oral health. Together, we can reduce the global burden of oral disease and improve access to quality oral health,” he stated.

This year, FDI has also launched a call for stories, inviting people from around the world to share personal and community experiences or initiatives about how oral health has transformed their lives. Leading by example, FDI’s partners have started sharing theirs.

“It is by amplifying real voices that we aim to inspire action and drive meaningful change, because at the end of the day, it’s by hearing those stories that we can connect with people and enact meaningful change,” said Dr Anna Lella, chair of the WOHD Working Group.

More information about FDI can be found here.

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