Experts highlight the importance of prevention in oral healthas a strategy that can have a significant impact on people’s quality of life and the reduction of related systemic diseases. “It is essential to first make the population aware of the importance of oral health and then guarantee prevention and follow-up actions,” he says in statements to Dentalia, the Dr. Clara María Esteban Escobardoctor specializing in Preventive Medicine and Public Health and corporate medical director at DONTEGROUP.
This awareness not only has a direct effect on oral health, but also influences people’s overall quality of life, especially in terms of maintaining most of their teeth throughout life. According to Dr. Esteban, healthy teeth allow “reach adulthood with most of your teethwhich improves the quality of life in multiple aspects.
Furthermore, prevention plays a crucial role in reduction in the incidence of systemic diseases. The expert points out that periodontal disease, one of the most common pathologies, is “closely related to the probability of suffering from systemic diseases, such as cardiological, neurological diseases and diabetes.” So encourage the proper oral health care can help reduce the risks of developing these serious conditions.
“Reaching adulthood with most of your teeth improves quality of life in multiple aspects”
Beyond the physical benefitsoral health also has a strong component psychological. “Feeling good with your smile dramatically influences social relationships and the possibility of getting a good job,” says Dr. Esteban. Self-esteem and emotional well-being are closely linked to the perception of a healthy and attractive smile, which highlights the need for good oral hygiene from an early age.
Recent scientific studies have highlighted the importance of the oral microbiota and its relationship with the general health of the body. “It is very important to highlight the results that multiple studies are showing about the Oral microbiota and periodontal disease and its close connection with systemic diseases,” adds the expert. Effective treatment of periodontal disease would not only improve the quality of life of patients, but “would significantly reduce health expenses derived from these diseases, generating savings for the health system. “. Furthermore, Dr. Esteban highlights the “installed capacity in Spain, which is also a leader in professionals, diagnostic and treatment methods and where the highest quality dentistry is done compared to the rest of Europe.”
In the last 20 years, the oral health of Spaniards has improved considerably, but there is still a long way to go, says Dr. Esteban: “Almost 94% of young adults and the 99.8% of older adults have had some cavities throughout their life”. Also alarming is the percentage of the population that has lost a tooth or suffers from edentulism, which it points out, “denotes the need to continue promoting preventive habits such as annual oral check-ups.”
“The growth of implantology and restorative dentistry is growing and will continue to do so for a few more years”
The prevalence of oral diseases, such as caries and periodontal disease, is directly related to socioeconomic factors. However, Dr. Esteban highlights that “the periodontal disease goes unnoticeddoes not hurt and is very prevalent in the general population”, something that could be easily solved with a regular oral check-up. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly reduce the effects of these pathologies and improve long-term oral health.
With the increase in life expectancy, also demand for treatments grows that improve quality of life, such as restorative dentistry. “People want to be able to enjoy a higher quality of life, something closely related to oral health,” says Dr. Esteban. “The growth of implantology and restorative dentistry, which is growing in our country, will continue to do so for a few more years.”
This evolution will be marked by the new generations who have either been able to enjoy a dental follow-up in childhood and adolescence or have undergone orthodontic treatments. “Both factors are directly related to periodic visits to your dental clinic and therefore, greater monitoring and prevention, which predicts future oral health. better than previous generations”, explains the Preventive Medicine specialist.
In it growth of restorative dentistry The economic segment of the population also influences. “It is known that restorative dentistry is a high-cost treatment that not the entire population could access. Thanks to the consumer financethese treatments are now accessible to a much larger population than a few years ago,” he concludes.
ConSalud’s content is prepared by journalists specialized in health and endorsed by a committee of top-level experts. However, we recommend that the reader consult any health-related questions with a healthcare professional.