“Healthy gums, beautiful smile” is the slogan chosen for the European Day of Periodontal Health 2019, which will be celebrated on 12 May in Portugal and throughout Europe, with the aim of raising public awareness of the importance of gum health and the growing threat that periodontal diseases pose to general health and public health.
Gingivitis and periodontitis are two chronic inflammatory periodontal diseases that affect 8 out of 10 people aged 35 and over throughout Europe and are therefore among the most common diseases. Although these diseases are little known, scientific evidence shows that periodontitis is associated with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other serious chronic conditions.
The European Day of Periodontal Health 2019 aims to remind people that, even if often neglected, gum health is a key factor for general health throughout life, and that the disease is a relevant public health concern, as it is linked to very serious diseases, including cardio and cerebrovascular diseases, in Portugal and in the rest of Europe.
Susana Noronha, president of SPPI, reinforces the idea that “we still have work to do in improving the literacy of the population and in promoting and motivating oral health. We must provide more and better information, raising patients’ awareness of prevention, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of periodontal diseases. SPPI’s management is strongly committed to this goal. The programme developed for the celebration of the European Day of Periodontal Health is a clear example of the commitment to raising public awareness”.
