Gum Health Day: more than a campaign, it’s a movement!

On 12 May 2025, the EFP will lead the global celebration of Gum Health Day (GHD), a campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the critical role of periodontal health in overall well-being. 

This year, Tali Chackartchi, newly appointed EFP officer and coordinator of Gum Health Day 2025, shares her vision for the campaign, the significance of this year’s motto, and how periodontists and the wider oral health community can take part. 

Q: Why is Gum Health Day so important? What are your goals for 2025? 

Tali Chackartchi:  Gum Health Day is more than just a campaign, it’s a movement. Every year on May 12, we work to bring gum health to the forefront of public health discussions. People don’t always realise how much gum health affects their daily lives, not just in terms of oral function and aesthetics but also because of its connection to serious systemic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and Alzheimer’s. 

For 2025, our goals are clear:

• Raise awareness about the importance of gum health at all ages. 
• Promote preventive care: simple daily habits and regular check-ups can help prevent periodontal disease. 
• Engage the healthcare community: we need all health professionals, not just dentists, to help spread the message. 
• Encourage policymakers to invest in preventive oral healthcare. 

We want to ensure that everyone - patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers - understands that gum disease is preventable, and that early action makes all the difference. 

Q: How was this year’s motto, Gums rock! Keep smiling! chosen? 

TC: We wanted a message that speaks to everyone: something positive, dynamic, and easy to remember. Gums rock! Keep smiling! captures the idea that healthy gums are key to confidence, self-esteem, and quality of life. Whether you’re a teenager, an adult, or a senior, periodontal health matters. It’s not just about avoiding disease, it’s about wellbeing and smiling with confidence.

Q: What events and activities are planned for GHD 2025?

TC: This year is special because Gum Health Day coincides with EuroPerio11, the world’s largest periodontology congress. This gives us an amazing platform to amplify the campaign. 

Some highlights include: 

• Flagship event in Austria, in collaboration with the Austrian Society of Periodontology during EuroPerio11. More to be unveiled soon!
• Member society initiatives: EFP national societies will be running educational workshops, free dental screenings, and social media campaigns to engage local communities. 
• Social media engagement: we’re providing new digital tools, including the Campaign Builder, so professionals can easily create and share personalised GHD visuals. 
• During EuroPerio 11, dentists, hygienists, and periodontists from around the world will explore the latest advancements in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease. Special sessions will focus on patient management, providing valuable insights into comprehensive care.

It’s all about making gum health visible locally, nationally, and internationally. 

Q: What are the biggest challenges in promoting gum health, and how does GHD address them? 

TC: One of the biggest obstacles is the perception that gum disease isn’t serious. Many people think bleeding gums are normal, or that implants don’t require the same care as natural teeth—both of which are myths. The truth is periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and is linked to major systemic health issues.

Other challenges include: 

• Lack of awareness: people don’t always connect gum health with general health. 
• Behavioural habits: changing oral hygiene routines takes time and effort. 
• Access to care: in some areas, preventive dental care isn’t easily available. 

GHD and its associates’ activities are addressing these issues through education, advocacy, and equipping both professionals and the public with reliable, evidence-based information.

Q: How can periodontists and dental professionals get involved in GHD 2025? 

TC: Oral health professionals are at the heart of this campaign. They have direct access to patients and can make a real difference. The EFP is providing ready-to-use materials in multiple languages, along with the Campaign Builder tool, which allows practitioners to personalise visuals with GHD slogans and their own branding. 

Here’s how periodontists and dental professionals can contribute:

• Share educational content: use social media to post infographics, videos, and articles about gum health. 
• Engage with patients: start conversations, answer questions, and dispel myths about gum disease. 
• Use official hashtags: amplify the message by tagging posts with the official GHD 2025 hashtags. 
• Host local events: organise free screenings or information sessions at clinics, schools, or community centres. 

Even small efforts - like a single Instagram post - can help spread awareness and encourage better gum health habits. 

Q: What’s your final message to periodontists and the oral health community? 

TC:  Gum Health Day isn’t just a one-day event, it’s an opportunity to drive lasting change. As periodontists, we have the knowledge and the platform to educate our communities. By coming together, we can make sure more people understand that gum disease is preventable and that healthy gums mean a healthier life. 

So, let’s make some noise on 12 May 2025, because gums rock, and we want everyone to keep smiling! 

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