Maintaining oral health throughout life is essential for physical and mental health, overall well-being, and optimal quality of life. The oral health journey begins in childhood, and developing healthy habits is essential.
The first dental visit should be made when a child’s first tooth erupts, and preventive instruction on diet, brushing, and oral care should be provided. Research reports that approximately 50% of children will develop cavities during early childhood, which can lead to orthodontic problems if primary teeth are lost prematurely.
Teens face unique oral health challenges as they transition into adulthood. Hormonal changes during puberty can lead to increased gum sensitivity, making them more susceptible to gingivitis if oral hygiene is neglected.
With increased independence comes the temptation to skip brushing or indulge in sugary snacks and drinks, which can significantly increase the risk of cavities. In Europe, 77% of adolescents have dental caries, with the highest rates among 16-19 year olds. Severe gum disease is rare, but 73% of adolescents experience bleeding gums.
Dental caries remains a significant public health problem for adults aged 20-59 years, with a prevalence of 40% to 90%. The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) recommends regular dental check-ups and cleanings every three, four or six months, depending on individual needs. The relationship between oral health and systemic disease is also critical for adults.
For older adults, age-related changes, disease, and medications present additional challenges. Almost all adults over 65 (96%) have experienced tooth decay, with one in five suffering from untreated caries. Dry mouth affects one in three older adults and is often a side effect of medication, increasing the risk of caries and infection.
Multiple medications can further exacerbate oral health problems. To maintain good oral health, older adults should brush with fluoride toothpaste, use interdental brushes, stay hydrated, and visit the dentist at least twice a year. Proper denture care, including nightly removal and cleaning, is also critical.
To address these various challenges, we partnered with Dentaid to create the Lifelong Oral Health campaign, which provides practical guidance to help people maintain a healthy smile at every stage of life, from childhood to old age.
Manel Vera, CEO of Dentaid, said: “Our mission is to promote and improve oral health throughout life through innovation and ongoing research. In addition to researching, developing and providing customized solutions for various needs, we also have a responsibility to raise awareness of oral health in society.
Through this event, in collaboration with the European Society of Periodontology, we aim to provide high-quality reference information to help people have better oral health, better overall health and a higher quality of life throughout their lives.” Vera emphasized:
“Oral health is an important part of overall health and its importance increases with age.” Anton Sculean said: “Periodontal disease is not just a natural consequence of aging. For adults and seniors, managing the challenges related to aging, chronic diseases and medications is essential to maintain oral function, prevent complications and improve quality of life.
Through regular visits to the dental team, maintaining good oral hygiene and effectively managing health conditions, people can achieve better oral health and improve their overall health,” Sculean emphasized.
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