Happy Mouth, Happy Life: Protecting Smiles from the Start

In response to the FDI World Dental Federation's call and in alignment with the *Healthy China Initiative (2019–2030), the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, will host a community outreach event to celebrate World Oral Health Day 2026. The event will take place on March 20, 2026, at Guanghua Qimeng Kindergarten in Chengdu, bringing oral health education and free dental check-ups to children, their parents, and teachers.

Embracing the global 2026 WOHD theme "A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life" — the final year of the three-year "Happy Mouth" campaign — the event carries the local sub-theme "Protecting Teeth from an Early Age, Growing Up with Smiles."The initiative aims to instill good oral hygiene habits in young children while raising awareness among parents and educators about the importance of lifelong oral health.

Event Highlights:

The half-day program will feature a mix of education, interaction, and clinical care:

-Opening Ceremony: The event will begin with a brief launch ceremony, including a book donation to the kindergarten, symbolizing the gift of knowledge for healthy smiles.

-Educational Session – "Oral Health, Happy Growth": Through engaging slides and video demonstrations, the dental team will introduce common childhood oral diseases and preventive measures. Children will learn proper toothbrushing techniques in a fun and age-appropriate manner.

- Interactive Game – "Floss Guardians: Mission Accomplished": Using storytelling and dental models, children will be introduced to the importance of interdental cleaning. They will participate in a hands-on game to "remove bacteria from between teeth," learning how to use dental floss correctly while having fun.

- Dental Check-ups: Pediatric dentists will provide free oral examinations for the children, offering personalized advice to parents on cavity prevention, teething issues, and daily oral care routines.

Impact and Commitment:

The event will combine science popularization with clinical service, reaching young children at a critical stage for developing lifelong habits. By bringing professional resources directly into the kindergarten, West China Hospital of Stomatology demonstrates its ongoing commitment to community service and health promotion.

As the world celebrates the "Happy Mouth" campaign, this initiative in Chengdu exemplifies how local actions contribute to the global vision: that a happy mouth truly leads to a happy life, at every age.