Dental debutantes: Large-scale promotional activities and school projects will be organised to promote oral health among people of all ages.

The Department of Health has designated September 20 as Love Teeth Day, and launched a series of promotional activities under the Love Teeth Campaign to heighten public awareness on oral health.

Director of Health Dr Lam Ping-yan said the Mainland has, since 1998, designated September 20 as National Love Teeth Day.

"Today we have the first Love Teeth Day here in Hong Kong, which marks another milestone in China's efforts to promote oral health," he said.

Also officiating at today's launch ceremony, National Committee for Oral Health Vice President Professor Zhang Boxue praised Hong Kong's work on oral health, adding that he will share experiences with Hong Kong and relevant parties on oral health.

A Hong Kong-wide survey conducted by the department in 2001 revealed that public awareness of oral health had shown a marked improvement.

Compared with the 1960s, the level of tooth decay among the population reduced significantly. Almost all people brush their teeth twice, instead of once, every day.

Nevertheless, the department will run the Love Teeth Campaign this year to promote oral health among people of all ages through promotional activities, such as large-scale public events and school projects.