TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — As the world marks World Oral Health Day, Mars Taiwan and the Carrefour Foundation have partnered for the fifth consecutive year to support the campaign, while dentists in Taiwan remind the public to maintain daily oral hygiene, even during holidays or long weekends.
Mars Taiwan commissioned a survey of 1,067 people aged 20 to 49 to examine oral hygiene habits, finding that disrupted routines during holidays often lead to lapses in dental care. These gaps not only increase the risk of oral diseases such as cavities and gum inflammation but may also affect overall health.
Taiwan is expected to experience nine long weekends this year, totaling about 120 days of holidays. The survey, released Thursday, found that many people forget to brush and floss during these periods due to travel, irregular schedules, or late-night activities.
Key findings from the survey include:
- Sleep habits: Over 60% of respondents reported staying up late during holidays, with the figure exceeding 70% among those aged 20 to 29
- Eating habits: Nearly half said they ate more than five times a day, while more than 40% consumed sugary drinks
- Oral hygiene: About 30% admitted forgetting to brush their teeth due to irregular sleep patterns
- Oral care alternatives: Around 77% said they used sugar-free gum when brushing was inconvenient
Huang Yao-hui (黃耀慧), vice president of the Association of Family Dentistry, said the data highlights four major “loopholes” that threaten oral health during holidays:
- Increased mouth acidity: Frequent eating, especially sugary or acidic foods, keeps the mouth in a prolonged acidic state, weakening tooth enamel
- Disrupted sleep schedules: Staying up late can lead to skipped nighttime brushing, allowing bacteria more time to multiply
- Reduced protective saliva: Long outdoor activities and insufficient water intake can decrease saliva production, weakening natural defenses
- More emergency visits: Clinics often see spikes in patients with acute toothaches, swollen gums, and cracked teeth before and after holidays
Huang said oral health is closely linked to overall physical and mental well-being. Poor dental health can lead not only to pain and tooth loss but also to anxiety, reduced self-confidence, and increased healthcare costs. Chronic inflammation in the mouth has also been associated with a higher risk of systemic diseases.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining daily oral hygiene habits, even during busy or irregular schedules, and recommended following the four core practices:
- Check: Schedule regular dental checkups
- Brush: Brush teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste
- Floss: Clean between teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes
- Chew: Use sugar-free gum or mouthwash after meals when brushing is not possible
Research from King's College London supports the use of sugar-free gum as a supplementary oral care method. Studies have shown it can:
- Reduce the incidence of tooth decay by about 28%
- Lower levels of cavity-causing bacteria
- Decrease the buildup of dental plaque
Huang said chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production, helping neutralize acids and protect teeth, particularly for people with busy lifestyles or those unable to brush immediately after meals.
Carrefour Taiwan Sustainability Manager Lin Meng-shao (林夢紹) said, “Oral health is closely linked to overall health. We’re proud to mark our fifth year with Mars Taiwan, supporting the Sunshine Social Welfare Foundation and raising awareness of proper oral care.” Mars Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau General Manager Jelina Wan (萬金玲) added, “Good oral health is the foundation of quality of life. That’s why Mars continues to support World Oral Health Day and promote strong dental care habits from an early age.”
In conjunction with World Oral Health Day, Mars Taiwan has partnered with retailers to launch a charitable initiative. Through late March, 2% of sales of selected sugar-free gum and mint tablets will be donated to the Sunshine Social Welfare Foundation and its oral health programs.
Company officials said the campaign aims to raise awareness that oral health is a foundation of overall well-being, encouraging the public to maintain consistent dental care habits regardless of changes in routine.
