Press & Media
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14 Nov 2024
World Diabetes Day - the vital link between gum disease and diabetes
On this World Diabetes Day, the European Federation of Periodontology(EFP) calls attention to the growing body of scientific evidence that underscores the critical connection between gum disease (periodontitis) and diabetes.
As diabetes continues to impact millions of lives globally (9), understanding its effects on oral health (as well as the effects of gum disease on diabetes) is essential for improving overall health. This year’s theme, Diabetes and well-being, emphasises the need for accessible care and support for all individuals living with diabetes - and that includes prioritising gum health.
23 Oct 2024
Women’s oral health: a lifelong priority
Women’s oral health is about more than just a beautiful smile—it’s a critical aspect of overall wellbeing that is often overlooked. From puberty to menopause, and every stage in between, hormonal changes can significantly impact oral health, affecting everything from gum disease risk to overall systemic health. Despite its importance, women’s oral health remains under-discussed and insufficiently researched, even though it plays a vital role in conditions like pregnancy complications and chronic illnesses.
03 Oct 2024
EFP announces winners of its Digital Innovation Award 2024
The European Federation of Periodontology, efp.org, in collaboration with Haleon, is delighted to announce the winners of the EFP Digital Innovation Award 2024. This prestigious prize recognises outstanding projects that advance gum health through innovative digital solutions across three categories: innovation for the public, innovation for the dentist, and innovation for periodontal researchers.
15 Jul 2024
The journey to a healthy smile
Lifestyle choices significantly affect oral health, and a healthy smile is more than just an aesthetic asset — it's a key indicator of overall health. Conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis can have far-reaching impacts, affecting not only the mouth, but the entire body, making good oral hygiene essential.
20 Jun 2024
2024 EFP awardees announced
On the grounds of exceptional achievements and commitment to periodontology and periodontal science, the EFP announced its prestigious 2024 awards to four distinguished periodontists: Anton Sculean, Nikolaos Donos, Moshe Goldstein, and Mark Bartold.
15 May 2024
EFP Digital Innovation Award 2024: shaping the future of periodontology
In the fast-evolving world of digital technology, the EFP invites innovators with ideas to enhance gum health or periodontal science and practice to participate in the EFP Digital Innovation Award. Submissions are welcome by 10 June at the latest.
22 Apr 2024
Why Generation Z must embrace gum health
As Generation Z embarks on their journey into adulthood, there’s one crucial aspect of their health that can sometimes be overlooked: their gums. With the rise of sugary diets, and increased stress and anxiety levels, teenagers and young adults are increasingly susceptible to gum disease and other oral problems. This is the topic of Gum Health Day 2024, an annual, global public health campaign led by the EFP.
17 Apr 2024
Moritz Kebschull is new president of the EFP
Moritz Kebschull is the new president of the EFP, a nonprofit federation of 38 national societies for periodontology (gum diseases). In addition to its European core, the EFP, with members from Argentina to Australia, has a global agenda to promote awareness of periodontal science and the importance of gum health.
13 Feb 2024
Treatment of preventable gum disease, caries and tooth loss totals 4.9% of global healthcare expenditure
‘Time to put your money where your mouth is: addressing inequalities in oral health’ is the new Economist Impact white paper published today, commissioned by the EFP (European Federation of Periodontology) with support from Haleon. The paper explores the escalating burden of periodontitis and caries, highlighting the critical associations between these two diseases, and proposing a combined approach to level up the population’s oral and systemic health outcomes.
20 Nov 2023
Perio Workshop 2023 draws up tomorrow’s education on periodontology
Around 70 leading international experts met at the scientific meeting Perio Workshop 2023 to discuss a new consensus on the undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing education on periodontology to be taught in the coming years.
The outcomes of this workshop organised by the EFP with the collaboration of Dentaid will be published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology in spring 2024, and are set to shape the content, methods of learning, training and evaluation followed by universities and teaching organizations around the world.
10 Oct 2023
Teamwork for better health: dentists and family doctors join forces to improve patient care
An ongoing and open exchange between oral-health providers and family physicians can effectively improve the quality of their patients’ treatment and wellbeing, and in certain cases even save lives. The closer the collaboration between dental and general practitioners, the bigger the improvement in their patients’ treatment standards, particularly in relation to serious chronic conditions such as diabetes, and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Family doctors should be informed about gum diseases and their consequences, while oral health professionals should be made aware of the significance of non-communicable diseases and their associated risk factors.
06 Sep 2023
Vaping threatens oral health as much as smoking
For years, it has been known that smoking can contribute to serious damage on gum and oral health, with smokers having more gum diseases, more tooth loss, and increased levels of oral cancer. It has also been known that gum disease can play a negative role on systemic health, e.g., it is implicated in diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and others. In parallel, regular warnings against vaping usually only highlight its damage to the heart and lungs, but do not refer to oral health.
05 Jul 2023
EFP publishes guideline on prevention and treatment of peri-implant diseases
The EFP has announced a new guideline aimed at helping oral health professionals around the world to better prevent and treat peri-implant diseases among their patients. Based on the latest scientific evidence, this guideline offers a set of recommendations to maintain the health of peri-implant tissues and to effectively manage peri-implant diseases.
15 May 2023
Winners of EFP Innovation Award 2023 for Digital Solutions are announced
Fostering innovation in the area of digital solutions that contribute to improve gum health for all is the purpose of the EFP Innovation Award for Digital Solutions for Gum Health. The EFP has announced the winners in France, Switzerland and the UK of the 2023 edition of these prizes, awarded annually with the support of EFP partner Haleon.
19 Apr 2023
Healthy gums look good on you
Keeping gums healthy and regularly checked is an integral part of everybody’s general health as scientific evidence shows a clear association between gum disease and many serious, chronic conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease. Besides, healthy gums maintain anyone’s attractiveness and self-confidence, and should become a part of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
28 Mar 2023
Periodontists and family doctors must collaborate to treat their patients' overall health
Close collaboration between family doctors and periodontists and other oral health professionals is necessary for an effective prevention, early detection and management of widespread systemic health conditions, affecting millions of patients everywhere. That is one of the main conclusions of the new scientific paper titled "Association between periodontal diseases and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and respiratory diseases: consensus report of the joint workshop by the EFP and WONCA Europe,” which has just been published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.
27 Feb 2023
Perio Master Clinics bring periodontal education to three continents in a year
Perio Master Clinic conferences are about to become a more global affair with three editions in three continents being organised in less than a year. Perio Master Clinic, the brand created by the EFP (European Federation of Periodontology) in 2014 for providing career-boosting training to dental clinicians on the best periodontal techniques, is about to take place in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
18 Nov 2022
Perio Master Clinic 2023 conference will explore perio-ortho synergy
Interaction, cooperation, and common ground between periodontology and orthodontics will be the focus of Perio Master Clinic 2023, the conference for dental clinicians that the EFP will organise in Antwerp, Belgium on 3-4 March, 2023.
20 Jul 2022
Joint workshop of periodontists and family doctors redefines the systemic impact of periodontitis on overall health
Experts gathered on July 10-11th in Madrid for the Focused Workshop on Periodontology and Family Doctors, a joint scientific initiative of the EFP and Wonca Europe. Their aim was to prepare a consensus document and agree on a set of recommendations on how general practitioners and oral health professionals can approach the systemic impact of periodontitis on cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and respiratory disease.
08 Jul 2022
EFP announces research prize winners
The EFP has announced the recipients of the EFP-Jaccard Research Prize in Periodontology 2022 during the closing ceremony of EuroPerio10, the world’s leading congress in periodontology and implant dentistry organised by the EFP. The prize was launched in 1995 by the EFP and the Jaccard Foundation of the University of Geneva, Switzerland to promote periodontal research in Europe and is awarded every three years at EuroPerio.
23 Jun 2022
EuroPerio10: the best EuroPerio ever
EuroPerio10, the world’s leading congress in periodontology and implant dentistry organised in Copenhagen on 15-18 June by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), was the most exciting EuroPerio yet.
20 Jun 2022
European Federation of Periodontology recognises top innovators
The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) has announced the recipients of the first ever EFP Innovation Award for Digital Solutions for Gum Health supported by GSK. The award will be conferred every year to three projects on digital innovations aimed at the public, dentists and researchers that will contribute to gum health worldwide.
17 Jun 2022
Gum disease is linked with heart attacks and diabetes
A large study has found that people with a prior heart attack or diabetes are more likely to have gum disease than their healthy counterparts. The research is presented at EuroPerio10, the world’s leading congress in periodontology and implant dentistry organised by the EFP.
17 Jun 2022
Maternal gum disease may be connected to preterm birth
Women with preterm births may be more likely to have gum disease compared to those with full-term births, according to research presented at EuroPerio10, the world’s leading congress in periodontology and implant dentistry organised by the EFP. The study also found a higher prevalence of unhealthy oral microbes in the preterm mothers.
17 Jun 2022
Severe gum disease is associated with impaired lung function
ung function declines with increasingly severe gum disease, according to research presented at EuroPerio10, the world’s leading congress in periodontology and implant dentistry organised by the EFP.
16 Jun 2022
People who think luck decides their fate are at elevated risk of severe gum diseas
People who believe that luck or chance determine what happens to them are more likely to have severe gum disease compared with those who think their own actions are mainly responsible. That’s the finding of a study presented at EuroPerio10, the world’s leading congress in periodontology and implant dentistry organised by the EFP.
16 Jun 2022
Artificial intelligence shows promise for interpreting dental X-rays
A deep learning algorithm successfully detects periodontal disease from 2D bitewing radiographs, according to research presented at EuroPerio10, the world’s leading congress in periodontology and implant dentistry organised by the EFP.
16 Jun 2022
Tongue and lip piercings may damage teeth and gums
Oral piercings should be removed to save teeth and gums, urged dental professionals displaying an e-poster at EuroPerio10, the world’s leading congress in periodontology and implant dentistry organised by the EFP.
16 Jun 2022
European guideline on advanced gum disease announced at EuroPerio10 congress
The first European guideline for the treatment of advanced (stage IV) periodontitis has just been published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology (1), official publication of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP). This groundbreaking S3-level clinical practice guideline has been announced today during the press presentation of EuroPerio10, the world’s leading congress in periodontology and implant dentistry taking place until 18 June in Copenhagen, Denmark.
08 Jun 2022
Get ready for a sustainable EuroPerio10 congress in Copenhagen
EuroPerio10 is set to be the most sustainable EuroPerio ever. The world’s leading congress in periodontology and implant dentistry will be held 15 to 18 June in Copenhagen, Denmark, one of the most sustainable cities on the planet.
25 Apr 2022
‘Treat your gums’ – Gum Health Day 2022 focuses on new guidelines for gum disease prevention and treatment
‘Gum Health Day’ is an annual international public-health campaign aiming to raise awareness of the importance of the prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment of gum diseases. This year’s campaign focuses on the EFP’s new guidelines for the treatment of periodontitis and features a novel “customised content generator” to allow dentists, health organisations, and the public to create their own campaign materials.
06 Apr 2022
Andreas Stavropoulos is new president of the EFP
Professor Andreas Stavropoulos took up his post after the European Federation of Periodontology’s general assembly in Vienna
28 Feb 2022
EuroPerio10 offers best-ever congress programme on periodontology and implant dentistry with 130 top speakers
The EFP invites the global dental community to get together at the EuroPerio10 congress in Copenhagen, Denmark in June, which features an outstanding faculty of more than 130 experts in periodontology, implant dentistry, and other dental and medical specialties
14 Dec 2021
New collaboration with the AAP and the EFP boosts quantity and quality of international dentistry content in SNOMED CT
SNOMED International is pleased to announce a new collaboration agreement with the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP)
09 Dec 2021
EFP celebrates 30 years promoting periodontal health for a better life
The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) commemorates 30 years since its foundation by 11 scientific national societies of periodontology on 13 December 1991 - 30 years improving the quality of the healthcare received by patients around the world. Today, the EFP leads the field globally and brings together 37 national societies from six continents, all committed to working to improve gum health everywhere
18 Nov 2021
International Perio Master Clinic 2022: the EFP brings the Perio Master Clinic conference to the Americas
In line with its global reach and its commitment to improve the quality of training of clinicians everywhere, the EFP is making the final preparations for International Perio Master Clinic 2022, to be held in León, Mexico on 25-26 February. It will bring the well-established clinical expertise and the hands-on approach of Perio Master Clinic to the Americas
15 Jun 2021
Prevention of gum disease could save billions and lead to healthier lives
The economic case for the prevention and management of gum disease is outlined today in a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) The most comprehensive analysis on the financial and human cost of gum disease in six Western European countries was commissioned by the EFP as an independent study and sponsored by Oral-B.
07 May 2021
Gum Health Day 2021 issues reminder that gum diseases may accelerate Covid-19 complications but are preventable
Over 40 countries celebrate Gum Health Day 2021 on 12 May to raise public awareness about how to prevent and detect gingivitis, periodontitis, and peri-implantitis which can affect overall health and are linked to Covid-19 complications
22 Apr 2021
Oral health may prevent severe Covid-19 disease
The potential for healthy gums to reduce the severity of Covid-19 disease is outlined in a paper recently published in the Journal of Oral Medicine and Dental Research.
13 Apr 2021
EFP launches EuroPerio Series on the latest research in oral health
Get ready for the hottest topics in oral health with the EuroPerio Series, a virtual initiative of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP).
03 Feb 2021
Gum disease linked to COVID-19 complications
COVID-19 patients are at least three times more likely to experience complications if they also have gum disease, according to research published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology,1 the official publication of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP).
05 Nov 2020
EFP launches new season of Perio Sessions webinars and reinforces its online strategy
Professors Mariano Sanz, Ian Needleman, and Iain Chapple will give the first three webinars in a new series of EFP Perio Sessions, an initiative of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) to disseminate the latest scientific research to dental professionals around the world. EFP Perio Sessions is the cornerstone of the new EFP Virtual, an online strategy for sharing expert analysis and opinion on key issues in periodontology and implant dentistry.
14 Sep 2020
Perio & Cardio campaign highlights links between gum and cardiovascular diseases
The Perio & Cardio educational campaign offers clear messages on the links between periodontal and cardiovascular diseases and the steps dentists, doctors, and patients need to take in prevention and treatment. This initiative includes the site perioandcardio.efp.org and educational material addressed at dentists, cardiologists, medical professionals, and the public.
10 Sep 2020
EFP reminds dental patients that interrupting their treatment may seriously affect their health
By avoiding visiting the dentist, many people may be putting their overall health and even their lives at risk, as poor oral health is associated with diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, dementia, and other serious conditions. The EFP recommends that dental professionals and patients follow the Covid-19 safety protocols in order to avoid any infection risks at the dental practice.
27 Jul 2020
International consensus guidelines on gum disease treatment
The first international evidence-based treatment guidelines for gum disease – which affects 50% of all adults – are published today in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology (1), the official publication of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP).
18 Jun 2020
The EFP launches its new website
A simpler, more intuitive navigation on mobile phones, tablets and computers allows www.efp.org to display its contents easier and faster to periodontists, dental professionals and patients.
11 May 2020
EFP devises a safety protocol for dental patients and practices during the Covid-19 pandemic
Brussels, 7 May 2020. Oral healthcare is severely affected all over the world by the Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic because of the risk implied for both dental professionals and patients. In order to provide the dental sector with a protocol to navigate the crisis effectively, the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) has published a set of infographics that provide suggestions on how dental practices can operate safely and manage patient workflow before, during, and after their treatment.
22 Apr 2020
EFP launches EFP Perio Sessions, a live webinar series on periodontal science
Anton Sculean gave the first EFP live webinar in a series that will include presentations by other leading figures in periodontal science such as Filippo Graziani, Virginie Monnet-Corti, and Orly Shapira
01 Apr 2020
Xavier Struillou, new president of the EFP
Dr Xavier Struillou takes over from Prof Filippo Graziani as president of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), the global benchmark in gum health and gum disease
Giving the best support to the 37 EFP-affiliated societies of periodontology is one of Xavier Struillou’s top priorities
30 Mar 2020
Perio Master Clinic 2020 puts focus on periodontal tissue regeneration
The most challenging area of periodontal and implant therapy today is the regeneration of hard and soft tissues around teeth and implants. This topic is the focus of Perio Master Clinic 2020, which takes place in Dublin, Ireland, on March 6 and 7.
For more information, please contact press@efp.org.
30 Mar 2020
Perio Master Clinic 2020
Perio Master Clinic 2020 unveiled
latest insights in periodontal regeneration, the ‘holy grail’ of dentistry
Management of flap design, the correct procedures for single- and multiple-tooth gingival recessions, techniques for lateral and vertical bone augmentation, and the choice of the optimal bone graft were
the main topics discussed
Organised by the EFP, Perio Master Clinic provides dental clinicians with in-depth overview of the latest techniques in a key clinical topic in periodontology
Download the full Press Release and supporting media in the .ZIP file below.
30 Jan 2020
EFP and WHF periodontal and cardiovascular diseases Toolkit
European Federation of Periodontology and World Heart Federation publish far-reaching report on links between periodontal and cardiovascular diseases
This media toolkit contains the consensus report in ful with the official Press Release. We have include images for Mariano Sanz and Pablo Perel.
28 Nov 2019
Perio Workshop 2019 takes a major step forward to help dentists treat periodontitis
Brussels, 26 November 2019. A major step forward for an evidence-based, more effective approach to the treatment of periodontitis stages I, II and III, has been the outcome of Perio Workshop 2019, a top-level scientific meeting organised by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) with more than 90 leading periodontal scientists, dental experts, and guideline-development specialists from around the world.
05 Aug 2019
JCP Editor in Chief: Applications open
Do you have the skills to sit as Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Clinical Periodontology?
Download the information sheet.
20 May 2019
Using an electric toothbrush helps prevent tooth loss
Brussels, Belgium, 22 May 2019. Using an electric toothbrush helps prevent tooth loss, according to a study published today in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology (1), the official publication of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP).
Greatest impact is maintaining good oral health
Also slows progression of periodontal disease
References and notes:
1) Pitchika V, Pink C, Völzke H, Welk A, Kocher T, Holtfreter B. Long-term impact of powered toothbrush on oral health: 11-year cohort study. J Clin Periodontol. 2019. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.13126.
2) Jordan AR, Micheelis W. (2016) Fünfte Deutsche Mundgesundheitsstudie (DMS V). In: IDZ-Materialienreihe, Bd. 35, (ed.) I. D. Z. Zahnärzte, pp. 617. Köln: Deutscher Zahnärzte Verlag DÄV.
3) Verma S, Bhat KM. Acceptability of powered toothbrushes for elderly individuals.J Public Health Dent. 2004;64:115–117.
4) Whitmyer CC, Terezhalmy GT, Miller DL, Hujer ME. Clinical evaluation of the efficacy and safety of an ultrasonic toothbrush system in an elderly patient population.Geriatr Nurs. 1998;19:29–33.
5) Hujoel PP, Hujoel MLA, Kotsakis GA. Personal oral hygiene and dental caries: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Gerodontology. 2018;35:282–289. doi:10.1111/ger.12331.
Brussels, Belgium, 22 May 2019. Using an electric toothbrush helps prevent tooth loss, according to a study published today in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology (1), the official publication of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP).
“Electric toothbrushes have become increasingly popular among all age groups in Germany (2) but few studies have tested their long-term effectiveness,” said study author Dr Vinay Pitchika, of the University of Greifswald, Germany. “Our study shows that electric toothbrushes are most beneficial in maintaining good oral health and are linked with slower progression of periodontal disease.”
The 11-year observational study investigated the association between electric toothbrushing and periodontitis, caries and number of teeth present. The study included 2,819 adults from the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) study who were examined in 2002 to 2006 and were followed up after six and 11 years. At baseline, 18% used an electric toothbrush, rising to 37% at the 11-year follow-up.
Overall, electric toothbrush users experienced 20% less tooth loss during follow-up than manual toothbrush users. This translated to an average of 0.4 more teeth retained (out of 28 teeth). The benefits were slightly greater in regular (at least twice a day) electric (versus manual) toothbrushers. When participants were divided into groups according to the severity of periodontitis, the association between electric toothbrushing and tooth retention was significant only in those with no/mild periodontitis (and not in those with moderate or severe periodontitis).
In a healthy mouth, the gums fit tightly around each tooth. Periodontal disease causes destruction of bone surrounding the tooth, leads to deeper pockets around the teeth which can lead to tooth loss. The study found that electric toothbrushing was linked with less pockets and better attachment of teeth to the gums and bone. This was shown by 22% and 21% lower progression of probing depth and clinical attachment loss (see figure), respectively, compared to manual toothbrush users.
When participants were divided into groups according to the severity of periodontitis, significant associations with probing depth were observed in people with no/mild and moderate periodontitis, while the link with clinical attachment loss was found only in those with moderate periodontitis. There was no relationship between electric toothbrushing and the two measurements in those with severe periodontitis.d
Dr Pitchika said: “People who already have relatively good oral health and minimal periodontal breakdown appear to profit the most from electric toothbrushing. Electric toothbrushes were much more effective as a preventive tool rather than when periodontitis had already progressed. People with severe periodontitis need periodontal treatment.”
Dr Pitchika noted that people with good oral health tend to be younger, while those with periodontitis are usually older. But he added: “Previous studies have shown that electric toothbrushes seem to be better for plaque control in older people, who have reduced fine motor skills.” (3,4)
There was no association between electric toothbrush usage and dental caries. “Compared to the type of toothbrush, we presume that fluoride has a major role to play in preventing caries or reducing progression of caries,” said Dr Pitchika. (5)
Brussels, Belgium, 22 May 2019. Using an electric toothbrush helps prevent tooth loss, according to a study published today in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology (1), the official publication of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP).
“Electric toothbrushes have become increasingly popular among all age groups in Germany (2) but few studies have tested their long-term effectiveness,” said study author Dr Vinay Pitchika, of the University of Greifswald, Germany. “Our study shows that electric toothbrushes are most beneficial in maintaining good oral health and are linked with slower progression of periodontal disease.”
The 11-year observational study investigated the association between electric toothbrushing and periodontitis, caries and number of teeth present. The study included 2,819 adults from the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) study who were examined in 2002 to 2006 and were followed up after six and 11 years. At baseline, 18% used an electric toothbrush, rising to 37% at the 11-year follow-up.
Overall, electric toothbrush users experienced 20% less tooth loss during follow-up than manual toothbrush users. This translated to an average of 0.4 more teeth retained (out of 28 teeth). The benefits were slightly greater in regular (at least twice a day) electric (versus manual) toothbrushers. When participants were divided into groups according to the severity of periodontitis, the association between electric toothbrushing and tooth retention was significant only in those with no/mild periodontitis (and not in those with moderate or severe periodontitis).
In a healthy mouth, the gums fit tightly around each tooth. Periodontal disease causes destruction of bone surrounding the tooth, leads to deeper pockets around the teeth which can lead to tooth loss. The study found that electric toothbrushing was linked with less pockets and better attachment of teeth to the gums and bone. This was shown by 22% and 21% lower progression of probing depth and clinical attachment loss (see figure), respectively, compared to manual toothbrush users.
When participants were divided into groups according to the severity of periodontitis, significant associations with probing depth were observed in people with no/mild and moderate periodontitis, while the link with clinical attachment loss was found only in those with moderate periodontitis. There was no relationship between electric toothbrushing and the two measurements in those with severe periodontitis.d
Dr Pitchika said: “People who already have relatively good oral health and minimal periodontal breakdown appear to profit the most from electric toothbrushing. Electric toothbrushes were much more effective as a preventive tool rather than when periodontitis had already progressed. People with severe periodontitis need periodontal treatment.”
Dr Pitchika noted that people with good oral health tend to be younger, while those with periodontitis are usually older. But he added: “Previous studies have shown that electric toothbrushes seem to be better for plaque control in older people, who have reduced fine motor skills.” (3,4)
There was no association between electric toothbrush usage and dental caries. “Compared to the type of toothbrush, we presume that fluoride has a major role to play in preventing caries or reducing progression of caries,” said Dr Pitchika. (5)
23 Apr 2019
Evidence shows that good oral health can improve general health and reduce medical costs
Periodontitis is characterised by chronic inflammation of the gums in response to a microbial biofilm accumulating around and below the gingival (gum) margins. On the basis of the evidence, the European Federation of Periodontology is able to state that periodontitis is significantly and independently associated with the major non-communicable diseases of ageing that account for 70% of mortality in the world today, including cardiovascular disease, Type-2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.1
Severe periodontitis adversely affects blood-sugar levels in people without diabetes and blood-sugar control in people who do have diabetes. The more severe the periodontitis, the worse the associated diabetes complications (mainly cardiac and renal). Overall, studies show that successful periodontal treatment improves diabetes outcomes. Severe periodontal disease also imparts significantly elevated risk for coronary artery (heart) disease and stroke and it has been shown that periodontal therapy improves cardiovascular (heart) outcome measures (with most data in humans based on biomarker outcomes of heart disease, such as endothelial function and vascular elasticity).
Treatment of periodontitis improves the overall systemic health by reducing systemic inflammation, improving diabetes outcomes and provides a better quality of life. Health-economic data provide new, independent, and potentially valuable evidence that well- performed, non-invasive periodontal therapy may significantly reduce healthcare costs for people with diabetes, stroke, or coronary artery disease.2 According to a major US study, treatment of periodontal disease to a defined end-point reduces annual medical costs in patients diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes by 40%, in those with heart-disease (coronary artery disease) by 11%, and in those with stroke (cerebrovascular disease) by 41%.
However, by far the most effective intervention is periodontal prevention, where evidence suggests that primary prevention of inflammation of the gums by individuals, supported by professional plaque control, is a very effective method for preventing the development of more severe gum disease and thereby preventing the possible resulting systemic effects. 3
- Source: EFP/AAP workshop on periodontitis and systemic diseases, 2012. J Clin Periodontol 2013; 40(S14):20-3
- Source: (Am J Prev Med 2014;47(2):166–174) & 2014 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Impact of Periodontal Therapy on General Health. Evidence from Insurance Data for Five Systemic Conditions. Marjorie K. Jeffcoat, DMD, Robert L. Jeffcoat, PhD, Patricia A. Gladowski, RN, MSN, James B. Bramson, DDS, Jerome J. Blum, DDS
- XI European Workshop of Periodontology, “Effective prevention of periodontal and peri-implant diseases”, 2014. J Clin Periodontol 2015; 42 (S16).
20 Mar 2019
People who don’t see a dentist regularly should be screened by their doctor for gum disease
That’s the main message of a study published today, World Oral Health Day, in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology (1), the official publication of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP).
About 50% of people over 30 years of age have periodontitis, which is severe inflammation of the gums and structures supporting the teeth. If untreated, it causes tooth loss and inflammation throughout the body, which has been linked with higher risks of diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.
19 Feb 2019
Perio & Cardio Workshop 2019
Dental and heart experts arrive at consensus on the links between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease. Joint recommendations will be published soon. Representatives of the EFP and the WHF reviewed current evidence at a workshop held on 18 and 19 February in Madrid, Spain.
Dental and heart experts set to publish joint recommendations
There is a wealth of scientific evidence linking periodontitis to cardiovascular diseases. Workshop participants aim to reach a consensus and to publish evidence-based recommendations on the value of oral health to reduce heart disease.
Oral hygiene contributes to a healthy heart
Cardiologists should be aware of the connection between gum disease and heart disease and encourage their patients to be screened for periodontitis. Patients with gum disease should manage their CVD risk factors.
Perio&Cardio images
Find photos of the Perio & Cardio workshop here. Please credit the EFP.
13 Dec 2018
European Federation of Periodontology becomes global
The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) has opened its doors to International Associate Members.
EFP President Anton Sculean said: “Periodontitis is a global issue, with severe forms affecting around one in ten people worldwide. Gum health is a key factor for overall health and quality of life. As the most influential periodontal organisation in the world, the EFP is joining forces with international societies so that together we can prevent and treat periodontitis and its complications.”
Mexico was the first society to become an International Associate Member, followed by Taiwan, Brazil, and Lebanon. Their memberships are set to be formalised at the 2019 EFP General Assembly in Bern, Switzerland, on 30 March.
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