Today, 20 March, World Oral Health Day is a day to remember that the health of the mouth is closely linked to general wellbeing and the prevention of diseases that affect millions of people around the world. In this context, international specialists warn of a worrying trend: the steady increase in periodontal diseases globally.
It is currently estimated that there are more than 1.1 billion cases of periodontitis worldwide, This is a figure that continues to grow and is of particular concern to the scientific community. This issue has recently been analysed in a scientific and informative session promoted by the Principles For Oral Health initiative, the result of a collaboration between the SEPA Foundation and the Listerine brand. Under the title “Global Experts take on The Periodontal Disease Crisis”, international experts focused on the current challenges and the need to change the strategy against this disease.
Among the specialists who participated in the meeting were world leaders in periodontics such as Mariano Sanz, Elena Figuero, Gustavo Ávila-Ortíz and Iain Chapple, all of whom agreed on a clear message: prevention must be at the heart of halting the spread of periodontitis.
The data reflect this trend. The worldwide prevalence of severe periodontitis was estimated to be 11.2 % in 2017, increased to 12,5 % in 2021-2022 and could reach 13.1 % in 2030. While some countries such as the United States are showing some stability in incidence, experts warn that the overall picture remains worrying and calls for a change in the way the problem is tackled.
Periodontitis does not appear suddenly. In most cases it begins with gingivitis, a milder inflammation of the gums that is reversible if detected early. The challenge, as specialists explain, is that many patients only consult when the disease is already advanced, which complicates treatment and reduces the chances of reversing the damage.
In addition to the direct impact on oral health, these diseases can lead to loss of teeth, difficulties in speaking or eating, decreased self-esteem and a significant deterioration in quality of life.. As Paula Matesanz, president of SEPA, reminds us, neglecting the treatment of gingivitis not only aggravates the problem, but also increases healthcare costs and reduces years of healthy life.
The main trigger for gingivitis and periodontitis is the accumulation of biofilm or bacterial plaque, an organised collection of bacteria that adheres to teeth and gums. Controlling it remains the most effective and affordable strategy to prevent these diseases. This includes basic measures such as brushing twice or three times a day, flossing or interdental brushing and regular check-ups with your dentist.
However, specialists point out that in many cases these measures are not applied correctly or are not maintained over time. Therefore, in certain situations it may be advisable to add complementary therapies, such as oral antiseptics indicated by health professionals, which help to reduce bacterial plaque and control gingival inflammation.
Beyond dental health, there is a growing consensus that the mouth can be an early indicator of more serious health problems. Swollen gums, persistent bleeding or non-healing lesions can be a warning sign of systemic disorders or major diseases that should be detected early. These include metabolic disorders, inflammatory diseases and even some types of oral cancer.
This is why the scientific community insists on a holistic view of health. In fact, the World Health Organisation itself has recently underlined that health cannot be understood without oral health, However, there is still some way to go to fully integrate oral hygiene into the pillars of a healthy lifestyle.
At a time when wellness is increasingly conceived holistically - connecting physical health, prevention and longevity - the message of World Oral Health Day is clear: acting earlier makes a difference. Taking care of your gums, detecting early signs and maintaining proper hygiene habits not only protects your smile, but can also prevent disease and improve long-term health.
