The journey to a healthy smile

The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), with the support of meridol®, launches a comprehensive campaign titled The journey to a healthy smile, today. This initiative aims to promote oral health awareness and best practices using various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and YouTube.

Professor William Papaioannou, project committee expert for this campaign, said: "As a federation and as oral health professionals, we have the power to transform lives by guiding our patients towards healthier smiles and better overall health. Together, we can make a significant impact on their journey to a healthy smile and considerably increase their quality of life."

The campaign will focus on the following topics:

• Helping the public understand gingivitis and periodontitis
• Explaining risk factors and general health implications of gum health
• Creating awareness of the impact of lifestyle on oral health (and overall health)
• Giving practical tips to fit healthy behaviour in daily routines
• Helping oral health professionals motivate their patients and share knowledge with them.

Oral health professionals play a vital role in educating their patients about the importance of gum health. By sharing information on how to prevent gum disease, they can help patients embark on their journey to a healthy smile. This campaign will provide professionals with resources and tips to convey these messages effectively.

Effective motivation strategies are essential in actively engaging and helping patients achieve and maintain a healthy smile. The campaign will provide educational videos and materials for oral health professionals to use in motivating their patients to make positive changes at different stages of their journey. The videos will cover topics such as spotting and preventing gum disease, the impact of daily habits on oral health, and motivating patients on their oral health journey to a fitter and longer life.

The campaign will focus on several science-backed recommendations to help prevent periodontal disease:

• Brushing teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, mouth rinse and using interdental brushes
• Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, no tobacco, managing stress and getting enough quality sleep
• Getting a medical check-up (especially to measure glucose levels and check blood pressure) and visiting a dentist regularly.

"We are proud to partner with the European Federation of Periodontology on this innovative initiative,” said Irina Laura Chivu-Garip, Colgate-Palmolive Head of Scientific Affairs for Europe. “By leveraging the power of behavioural science, we aim to inspire lifelong healthy habits in individuals, ultimately enhancing their oral health, and impacting general health and wellbeing. This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing health literacy and aims to engage medical and dental professionals, as well as their patients, in pursuing health goals by leveraging evidence-based approaches.”

Lifestyle choices significantly affect oral health. Encouraging patients to adopt healthier lifestyles can lead to improved oral and overall health. Join us in spreading the message and helping patients on their journey to a healthy smile!

Check the campaign