Euro campaign aims to reduce burden of tooth decay

The drive also aims to draw attention and to the simple and cost-effective preventive interventions available to address these conditions.

Caries and periodontal diseases are the most common non-communicable diseases yet they are largely preventable. Not only do they lead to tooth loss, which severely impacts quality of life; recent studies have linked gum disease to serious health issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and even cancer (4).

The Perio and Caries initiative is directed towards dental and other health professionals, researchers, the public and policymakers. The 30 national societies that comprise the EFP will promote the campaign in their countries, with actions targeted at local communities and authorities. Recommendations are based on the consensus of over 75 experts in the field of periodontology and cariology who carefully analysed the existing scientific evidence during the EFP Perio Workshop 2016 (5).