Oral health throughout life provides guidance to maintain healthy smiles

Maintaining oral health throughout life is essential for health, general well -being and optimum quality of life. The journey of oral health begins in childhood, where the development of healthy habits is the key. The first dentist visit should occur when the child’s first tooth explodes, with preventive guidance on nutrition, brushing and oral care. Studies report that about 50% of children experience teeth wear from young children, which can lead to orthodontic issues if primary teeth lose early.

Teenagers face unique oral health challenges as they go to adulthood. Hormonal changes during adolescence can lead to increased gum sensitivity, making them more sensitive to gingivitis if oral hygiene is neglected. As independence increases, the temptation itself to omit the brush or to indulge in sugar snacks and drinks, which can significantly increase the risk of cavities. In Europe, 77% of adolescents are influenced by caries, with 16-19 years having the highest prevalence. Severe gum disease is rare, but 73% of adolescents show gum bleeding.

Dental caries remains significant concern about public health between adults aged 20-59 years, with dominance rates ranging from 40% to 90% between populations. The European Federation of Periodontics (EFP) recommends regular dental controls and cleaning at intervals of three, four or six months, according to individual needs. The relationship between oral health and systemic conditions is also vital to adults.

Oral health is associated with 57 systemic diseases, the most important is diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Despite progresses in understanding oral diseases, cavities continue to affect more than 50% of children, the effects of gingivitis up to 90% of the adult population and 23% of older adults suffer from edentulism. These elements emphasize the importance of understanding the way oral health evolves over time. ”

Professor Anton Sculean, Chairman of the EFP Project Committee

For the elderly, age -related changes, medical diseases and medicines have additional challenges. Almost all adults (96%) over 65 had cavities, with one in five having an unnecessary tooth wear. Xerostomia affects one -third of elderly adults and is often a side effect of drugs, leading to increased risk of dental caries and infections. Polypharmacy or the use of multiple drugs can further aggravate oral health problems. To maintain good oral health, the elderly should brush with fluoride toothpaste, use distorted brushes, stay hydrated and visit the dentist at least twice a year. Proper denture care, including nightly removal and cleaning, is also critical.

To meet these different challenges, oral health throughout life has been developed in collaboration with Dentaid, providing guidance that can help individuals maintain healthy smiles at every stage of life, from childhood to older years.

According to Manel Vera, Managing Director of Dentaid, “our mission is to promote and improve people’s oral health throughout their lives, based on innovation and continuous research. Health and higher quality of life throughout their lives,” VERA underlines.

“Oral health is an essential part of overall well -being and its importance increases with age,” says Anton Sculean. “Periodontal disease is not just a natural consequence of aging and both for adults and the elderly, addressing the challenges associated with aging, chronic diseases and medicines is vital to maintaining oral functioning, preventing complications and quality of life.