6th EFP-promoted Gum Health Day 2019

The Oral Health Foundation conducted a survey as part of National Smile Month. It found that 52% of the adult UK population have experienced bleeding gums in the last year, a widely recognised early symptom of gum disease. European Gum Health Day 2019 was held on Sunday 12th May to raise awareness of the link between gum health and overall health, self-esteem and self-confidence.
Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, Dr. Nigel Carter OBE, said: “For those of us who hope to keep all our teeth for life, developing an oral health routine that helps maintain healthy gums is essential. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. There is also a growing body of evidence that links it to a number of different health problems in other parts of the body. Most of us are likely to suffer from some form of gum disease at some point in our lives. Initiatives like European Gum Health Day are so important for helping us to become aware of how important good gum health is and how we can achieve it.”
Lior Shapira, co-ordinator of European Gum Health Day, said: “The main aim of this year’s awareness day is to increase the public awareness that gum health is tightly connected to general health, wellbeing, and a beautiful smile. People today pay much attention to their look and have no clue that gum disease can ruin it forever. Many of us are aware that gum health has an impact on health, but the aesthetics should not be ignored as this is an important part of our mental health. “
President of the British Society of Periodontology, Dr. Mark Ide, said: “It takes a relatively small amount of time each day to give your gums the attention they need, and you will in turn benefit from in the long run. Brushing twice a day, with a fluoride toothpaste, is a key part of any good oral health routine and necessary for those looking to maintain good gum health. Daily cleaning between your teeth, with interdental brushes or floss, is also vital for keeping gum disease at bay. It might not sound like a lot but those few minutes each day can make a huge difference.”