Ireland joins spotlight on European Gum Health Day 2018

The Irish Society of Periodontology (ISP) will join the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) to promote international awareness around European Gum Health Day 2018.

Taking place on 12 May, European Gum Health Day 2018 will help raise awareness of the high level of gum diseases among the Irish public.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are two chronic, inflammatory gum diseases that affect eight out of 10 people aged 35 years and over in Ireland and the rest of Europe. Evidence shows that gum diseases are associated with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other serious, chronic conditions.

Dr Ronan Allen, ISP president, states that recent evidence connects gum disease with other medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

‘This highlights the need for patients to visit their dentist/hygienist regularly to monitor their gum health and prevent disease,’ says Dr Allen.

Key to general health

‘The European Gum Health Day 2018 aims to remind people that, even if still often overlooked, gum health is a key factor for general health throughout life, and that gum disease is a relevant public health concern as it is linked to very serious conditions, including heart disease and cerebrovascular disease in Ireland and the rest of Europe,’ says Xavier Struillou, coordinator of the European Gum Health Day 2018.

‘Gum health can help us to save many lives, to detect or prevent many severe conditions, and to save billions in medical costs.’

‘That is why, this year, our motto says: “Health begins with healthy gums.”’

European Gum Health Day is an initiative of the EFP and its 30 national scientific societies. The EFP is a leading voice on gum health and gum disease, focused on improving periodontal science and practice in Europe and around the world.

For more information, visit www.efp.org. To find out more about the ISP, visit www.isperio.ie.