On 20 March 2014 more than 100 countries and 70 national dental associations celebrated World Oral Health Day.

On the day – a memorable date in the calendar as children should have 20 deciduous teeth – practising dental professionals, students, governments, oral care companies and members of the public came together to celebrate healthy smiles, promote worldwide awareness of oral health and educate about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

Amongst the highlights this year was an attempt to break a national record for the highest number of people brushing simultaneously in Malaysia, free restorative treatments for children in Rwanda, and flash mobs in Malta and Moldova.

Dr Tin Chun Wong, the President of the FDI World Dental Federation, said: 'This year we are focusing on the importance of our teeth and mouth in our everyday lives. Eating, chewing, kissing: these are all everyday actions for which we need to maintain good oral health'.

This year, the FDI also marked World Oral Health Day with the publication of The tooth thief (pictured), an illustrated story for children which includes oral health tips. The story aims to instil good oral care habits in children from a young age. The prologue has been written by Yaya Touré, Manchester City FC player and African Football Player of the Year for the last three seasons and this year's World Oral Health Day ambassador. Yaya has also filmed an advert that is available online and which has been played on the NASDAQ screen in Times Square, New York.

Visit www.wohd.org/get-involved; to download The tooth thief, visit the Apple iBook Store, Amazon or www.worldoralhealthday.com/book.