Gum health can often take a back seat in our daily oral healthcare routines. Unfortunately, periodontal (gum) diseases are among humanity’s most common diseases. Periodontal diseases include gingivitis, which is the inflammation of the gums, and periodontitis, which is the inflammation of the tissue around the teeth, often causing shrinkage of the gums and loosening of the teeth. Neglecting gum health can have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only our smiles but also our overall well-being. At every stage of life, maintaining periodontal health is an essential part of ensuring a high-quality life.

 

Know when to visit your dentist to treat gum disease

To empower the public with the knowledge they need to take control of their gum health, FDI has developed a user-friendly website. This resource serves as a valuable tool for individuals to identify common gum disease symptoms and recognize when it's time to consult their trusted dentist and dental team.

The FDI website goes a step further by emphasizing that treating gum disease is a collaborative effort that involves both the dental team and the patient. By fostering this partnership, individuals can proactively manage their gum health, ensuring not only good oral health but also an improved quality of life. The FDI website offers this invaluable resource in multiple languages, including English, French, and Spanish, to cater to a diverse global audience.

In addition, the FDI Global Periodontal Health Project Task Team have produced a video explaining the critical significance of using the 2017 Periodontal Staging, Grading and Classification system. This updated classification system is designed to facilitate comprehensive treatment strategies and to enable a patient-centric approach to oral health care.

 

View the video