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The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP): "Preventive oral healthcare brings savings to society."

The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP): "Preventive oral healthcare brings savings to society."

According to a report commissioned by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), 4.9 percent of global healthcare expenditure is allocated to treat preventable oral diseases such as gum inflammation, cavities, and tooth loss. A preventive approach to oral disease management can bring significant savings to societies, especially when interventions are targeted at economically vulnerable populations.

The "Time to put your money where your mouth is: addressing inequalities in oral health" report by the Economist Impact reveals that the combined prevalence of cavities and severe gum inflammation, periodontitis, has already exceeded the combined global prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like mental health disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancers.

Preventive oral care saves money

The report introduces a new cost calculation model for oral disease prevention and treatment, estimating that preventable oral diseases consume approximately $357 billion annually from global healthcare budgets.

Preventable oral diseases affect too many people worldwide. Tooth decay affects over two billion individuals globally, while severe gum inflammation impacts over one billion people. Hence, the EFP report underscores the urgent need to improve global oral health.

Reducing risk factors threatening oral health, such as sugary diets, tobacco, and alcohol consumption, is recommended not only to reduce oral diseases but also to improve overall health and prevent non-communicable diseases.

The scientific evidence linking oral infections to overall health is growing continuously, emphasizing the importance of utilizing this knowledge more extensively among healthcare professionals.

For instance, a recent doctoral thesis from the University of Turku reveals that poor oral hygiene increases the risk of severe head and neck infections requiring hospitalization. The study's findings suggest that investments in oral health and dental care can reduce infection-related costs, complications, and even mortality.

The EFP emphasizes the clear link between oral and overall health, stressing the importance of prioritizing oral health in healthcare budgets and policies.

The report also introduces a framework detailing the progression of cavities from healthy teeth to severely decayed teeth, presenting preventive measures such as maintaining oral hygiene with fluoride toothpaste and implementing local fluoride treatments to prevent or slow down cavity development.

Lumoral: Support for Mechanical Brushing

Efficient oral self-care is crucial for preventing and treating cavities and gum diseases. However, as people age, maintaining oral hygiene can become challenging due to declining vision, memory, or motor skills.

The Lumoral method serves as a targeted solution against microscopic plaque in the mouth, enhancing the effectiveness of mechanical tooth brushing and interdental cleaning. Lumoral treatment eliminates Streptococcus mutans bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gingivitis bacteria.

Endorsed by dentists and the Dental Hygienists' Association in Finland, Lumoral is suitable for maintaining oral health, as well as treating and preventing oral diseases at home. Lumoral slows plaque formation and significantly reduces the amount of bacteria causing periodontitis on tooth surfaces and along the gum line.

Existing studies support Lumoral's efficacy, showing that while even the most effective electric toothbrushes remove only about 65% of harmful bacteria from teeth, Lumoral eliminates over 99% of biofilm bacteria.

Sources:

  1. Pakarinen S, Saarela RKT, Välimaa H, et al. Home-applied dual-light photodynamic therapy in the treatment of stable chronic periodontitis (HOPE-CP)—three-month interim results. Dent J (Basel). 2022;10(11):206. doi:10.3390/dj10110206
  2. https://www.suuhygienistiliitto.fi/suomen-suuhygienistiliitto-suosittelee-lumoralia/
  3. Aggarwal N, Gupta S, Grover R, Sadana G, Bansal K. Plaque removal efficacy of different toothbrushes: a comparative study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2019;12(5):385-390. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1669 
  4. https://www.efp.org/publications/special-publications/the-burden-of-caries-and-periodontitis/

     

    Finnish Medical Society Duodecim highlights Lumoral as a breakthrough in Finnish healthcare

    Finnish Medical Society Duodecim highlights Lumoral as a breakthrough in Finnish healthcare

    Duodecim, Finland's leading medical association, has published the book "The Healing Power of Medicine" (Lääketieteen Parantava Voima), which presents Finnish advancements in healthcare for disease prevention, easier diagnosis, and more effective treatment. The book also introduces Lumoral treatment, an antibacterial oral hygiene method recognized as one of Finland's significant breakthroughs in dentistry.

    Edited by Emerita Professor Anne Pitkäranta, Professor Kaija-Leena Kolho, and Emeritus Professor Kimmo Kontula, the book emphasizes the importance of scientific research in society and its impact on healthcare outcomes. 

    The book highlights the antibacterial Lumoral method, now available in 16 European countries. In the article "Light for Teeth" (Valoa hampaille), one of the developers of Lumoral, a specialist in heart and organ transplant surgery, Dr. Tommi Pätilä, discusses the method's origin and its potential to revolutionize oral health on both individual and societal levels.

    "Dental and periodontal diseases are among the most common chronic infectious diseases worldwide. Chronic inflammation of the supporting tissues of the teeth, periodontitis, is considered a public health problem due to its prevalence as the sixth most common disease globally," Dr. Pätilä points out.

    Lumoral is an antibacterial and light-activated oral hygiene method used as part of a regular oral hygiene routine, alongside brushing and interdental cleaning. Research shows that Lumoral treatment slows plaque formation and significantly reduces the number of bacteria in the mouth, which contribute to gum inflammation.

    According to Dr. Pätilä, incorporating light-activated and antibacterial treatment into daily oral hygiene routines enhances the effectiveness of tooth cleaning, especially when traditional oral hygiene methods fall short.

    "Lumoral treatment is suitable for everyone but is particularly beneficial for individuals with oral health issues. The method also freshens breath. Its antimicrobial effect targets harmful bacteria in the mouth while preserving the normal bacterial flora that maintains oral health," Dr. Pätilä explains.

    Rapid Diagnosis - Effective Disease Management

    Dr. Tommi Pätilä also contributes to another article in the book, "Finnish Oral Medicine Innovations Enable Rapid Diagnosis and Plaque Control for Gum Disease" (Suomalaiset suulääketieteelliset innovaatiot mahdollistavat iensairauden pikadiagnostiikan ja plakkikontrollin). The article discusses significant Finnish advancements, particularly in diagnosing and treating severe gum diseases. The article also emphasizes the connection between periodontitis and various systemic diseases. Therefore, early detection and treatment of the disease are crucial.

    To expedite the diagnosis of periodontitis, researchers from the University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital have developed chairside testing based on active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) markers. The test complements the diagnosis of periodontitis and peri-implantitis and monitors treatment response and maintenance. It can be performed by a healthcare professional or independently by the patient at home, similar to COVID-19 antigen or traditional pregnancy tests.

    Dr. Pätilä highlights that untreated periodontitis or peri-implantitis sustains and intensifies the body's low-grade systemic inflammation and is associated with several systemic diseases. Therefore, early diagnosis of gum diseases is essential. Rapid diagnosis also allows for the prompt initiation of effective treatment, halting or preventing disease progression. With the Lumoral method, patients can enhance their self-care at home.

    "Low-grade inflammation is a condition where the body reacts to irritation by secreting mediators. Although the body's 'muted' inflammation is not a disease in itself, prolonged inflammation becomes harmful to health, especially in the aforementioned systemic diseases," Dr. Pätilä says.

    Poor oral health incurs additional diseases for both individuals and society, emphasizes Professor Timo Sorsa, professor of oral and maxillofacial diseases at the University of Helsinki and developer of the aMMP-8 rapid test.

    "Finnish dental and periodontal diagnostic and therapeutic inventions may significantly impact the detection, treatment, and prevention of the world's sixth most common disease, periodontitis/peri-implantitis. They also enable plaque and gum disease control," states an article in book.

    ***

    "The Healing Power of Medicine - 100 Stories from Cells to Applications," edited by Emerita Professor Anne Pitkäranta, Professor Kaija-Leena Kolho, and Emeritus Professor Kimmo Kontula, 1st edition 2024, 365 pages, paperback

    "The Healing Power of Medicine," edited by Emerita Professor Anne Pitkäranta (right), Professor Kaija-Leena Kolho, and Emeritus Professor Kimmo Kontula, is a testament to the importance of research in society. Vilja Harala (Duodecim)

    Vegetarian Dental Care: Navigating Oral Health Challenges

    Vegetarian Dental Care: Navigating Oral Health Challenges

    Recent studies indicate that a vegetarian diet may increase the risk of tooth decay and erosion. The exact reasons for this are not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to it. However, there are smart ways to avoid these problems - here are the best tips!

    "One of the dangers of a vegetarian diet may be that it may contain highly processed foods, such as meat substitutes. These foods often contain refined carbohydrates that break down into acidic products. This, in turn, can promote the dissolution of minerals in tooth enamel and thus the formation of cavities," says Ludwig Hansson, a dentist and specialist in prosthetics from the Göta Tandvård dental clinic in Gothenburg, Sweden.

    Many people equate a vegetarian diet with a healthy diet, and this may be true in many respects - but not always for dental health.

    "There is a risk that it may not be as easy to achieve a feeling of satiety with a vegetarian diet, which may increase the number of daily meals. This also increases the strain on the teeth," says Ludwig Hansson.

    Avoid Acidic Foods

    Another risk for vegetarians is consuming acidic foods and drinks such as fruits and juices.

    "For example, green apples and some juices are very acidic. They may have benefits in many other ways, but the acidity can be very taxing on the teeth. If you eat such foods frequently, there is a risk that the enamel will be damaged in a corrosive way," warns Hansson.

    However, it is possible to combat acid attacks - if you act preemptively.

    "Studies have shown that, for example, eating a piece of cheese before consuming acidic foods prevents cavities. Cheese is alkaline and fatty, thus forming a protective layer on the teeth," adds Hansson.

    Lumoral light-activated treatment helps maintain oral health

    Those following a vegan diet also face the risk of nutrient deficiencies, which can increase the risk of periodontal disease or tooth loss.

    "Immune system deficiencies can ultimately lead to tooth loss. The most common deficiency among vegans is vitamin B12, which affects the body's immune system," notes Hansson.

    Therefore, vegans may need additional supplements for essential minerals and vitamins. Otherwise, the same tips for preventing cavities and tooth loss apply to vegetarians as they do to others.

    "Do not eat too often, avoid excessive consumption of sugar, carbohydrates, and acidic foods, and clean your teeth thoroughly. Also, avoid excessive consumption of processed foods," reminds Hansson.

    The foundation of good oral health is always mechanical cleaning, with a toothbrush and dental floss or interdental brush. In addition, there are other aids in the form of a light-activated treatment. The Lumoral method, developed in Finland, eliminates 99.99 percent of harmful bacteria from the mouth.

    "By brushing your teeth, you remove about 65 percent of the bacteria present on the teeth surfaces and gum line. Lumoral's light-activated treatment is easy to administer and it removes virtually all harmful bacteria. It can be a crucial complement for those who, due to factors such as a vegetarian diet, are at greater risk of cavities and oral health issues," says Ludwig Hansson.