Doctors and Public Health Experts Call for Oral Health to Be Integrated Into Everyday Healthcare
Doctors, public health specialists and dental professionals are urging governments, healthcare systems and medical practitioners to recognize oral health as an essential component of overall health. A new international consensus emphasizes that healthy teeth and gums are closely connected to broader health outcomes and that preventive oral care should become a routine part of healthcare delivery, public health planning and patient education.
The consensus brings together experts from multiple disciplines, including periodontology, cardiology, diabetes care, family medicine, public health, social care and health education. Convened by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and the European Association of Dental Public Health (EADPH), the initiative calls for a more integrated approach to preventing oral diseases and other major chronic conditions.
The recommendations encourage policymakers and healthcare professionals to move beyond the traditional separation between dentistry and general medicine. By incorporating oral health into routine medical care, professional training, public health initiatives and disease-prevention strategies, the experts believe health systems can improve patient outcomes while addressing shared risk factors responsible for several widespread diseases.
International Consensus Highlights the Connection Between Oral and Systemic Health
The new consensus, published as an open-access paper in Periodontology 2000, is titled “Oral Health and Systemic Health Outcomes: A Call for Interdisciplinary Action.” It translates available scientific evidence into practical recommendations for individuals, healthcare professionals and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across medical and dental disciplines.
Oral diseases affect approximately 3.5 billion people worldwide, making them a substantial global health challenge. According to the consensus, many oral conditions share risk factors with other noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. These shared factors include excessive sugar consumption, tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, socioeconomic disadvantage and unequal access to preventive services and healthy food.
Professor Moritz Kebschull, a past president of the EFP and lead author of the paper, said that preventing oral diseases and other chronic conditions separately overlooks the common factors contributing to their development.
He explained that the consensus is particularly significant because it was developed collaboratively by periodontists, public health dentists, cardiologists and family physicians. This multidisciplinary approach brings together different perspectives on disease prevention and patient management.
Professor Kebschull highlighted diabetes as an area where the relationship between oral and systemic health is especially well supported by scientific evidence. Research indicates that periodontitis and diabetes have a two-way relationship, with each condition potentially influencing the other. The consensus reports that treating gum disease can help people with diabetes manage their blood glucose levels, reinforcing the importance of integrating periodontal care into broader diabetes management.
The paper therefore encourages healthcare professionals to consider oral health when assessing patients’ overall health needs and developing long-term prevention strategies.
Why Gum Health Matters Beyond the Mouth
Among oral diseases, periodontitis has attracted particular attention because of its relationship with wider systemic health. Periodontitis is a serious inflammatory condition affecting the tissues that support the teeth. It is commonly associated with the accumulation of dental plaque and can lead to gum recession, damage to supporting tissues and tooth loss when left untreated.
The relationship between periodontitis and diabetes is one of the most established connections discussed in the consensus. Diabetes can increase susceptibility to periodontal inflammation, while periodontal disease may make blood glucose management more difficult. Treating gum disease may therefore contribute to improved metabolic control in people living with diabetes.
The consensus also places oral health within the broader context of chronic disease prevention. Although the strength of evidence varies across different systemic conditions, the shared risk factors associated with oral diseases and other noncommunicable diseases create opportunities for coordinated prevention.
For example, reducing tobacco use, limiting excessive sugar consumption and improving access to preventive healthcare can support oral health while also contributing to the prevention of other chronic diseases.
Professor Anton Sculean, secretary general of the EFP and a co-author of the paper, emphasized that basic oral-health guidance should not be limited to dental professionals.
He said doctors, nurses and pharmacists should be able to provide patients with fundamental advice about toothbrushing, cleaning between the teeth and maintaining regular dental appointments. Similarly, dental professionals should look beyond the mouth and remain alert to potential signs of wider health problems, including previously undiagnosed diabetes.
This approach would help make oral health a more visible part of everyday healthcare while encouraging earlier identification of potential health concerns.
Oral Diseases Create a Significant Economic and Public Health Burden
The international consensus also highlights the financial implications of oral diseases. Professor Andreas Stavropoulos, treasurer of the EFP and a co-author, noted that oral diseases are estimated to cost approximately US$710 billion annually.
Much of this burden is considered preventable through effective oral hygiene, early intervention, accessible dental services and coordinated public health policies.
According to Professor Stavropoulos, integrating oral health into chronic-disease strategies, shared health records and referral pathways would represent a practical use of healthcare resources. Improved coordination could help professionals identify risks earlier, provide more appropriate referrals and reduce the need for avoidable treatment.
The recommendations also address inequalities in access to oral healthcare. People facing financial hardship, limited access to dental services or other forms of socioeconomic disadvantage may encounter greater barriers to preventive care. These challenges can contribute to untreated oral diseases and widen existing health inequalities.
Integrating oral health into wider prevention programs could help address these barriers by making oral-health education and early intervention more accessible through established healthcare services.
The consensus consequently frames oral health as a public health priority rather than an issue that should be addressed exclusively through dental appointments.
Practical Steps Individuals Can Take to Improve Oral Health
While governments and healthcare systems have an important role in implementing the recommendations, the consensus also emphasizes the value of daily preventive habits.
Effective plaque removal remains central to maintaining healthy gums and preventing periodontal disease. Dental plaque is a buildup of bacteria and other materials on tooth surfaces. If it is not removed consistently, it can contribute to gum inflammation and, in susceptible individuals, the development or progression of periodontitis.
The paper identifies several practical steps that individuals can incorporate into their daily routines:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste: Regular brushing helps remove plaque and supports protection against tooth decay.
- Clean between the teeth every day: Interdental cleaning helps remove plaque and food particles from areas that toothbrushes may not adequately reach.
- Focus on effective plaque removal: Consistent and thorough cleaning is essential for maintaining gum health.
- Limit added sugars: Reducing sugar consumption can help lower the risk of tooth decay and support broader health goals.
- Avoid tobacco and harmful alcohol use: Addressing these risk factors can benefit oral health and contribute to the prevention of other diseases.
- Attend regular dental appointments: The appropriate frequency of professional dental care should reflect an individual’s oral-health status, risk factors and clinical needs.
The consensus underscores that preventive oral care should be practical, consistent and adapted to individual circumstances. Regular habits, combined with professional advice and timely treatment, can help reduce the risk of oral disease and its associated complications.
Evidence Supports Effective Toothbrushing Technologies
The consensus also discusses the importance of choosing oral-care products and technologies that support effective plaque removal. While daily brushing and interdental cleaning remain the foundation of oral hygiene, the paper references published systematic reviews evaluating different approaches to maintaining oral health.
One technology highlighted is the oscillating-rotating powered toothbrush. The paper cites published reviews reporting benefits associated with these toothbrushes in plaque reduction and improvements in gum health.
Powered toothbrushes may provide an alternative to manual brushing for people seeking to improve their cleaning routine. However, the effectiveness of any toothbrush also depends on its proper use, consistency and suitability for the individual’s needs.
The consensus also identifies stannous fluoride toothpaste as an evidence-supported complement to mechanical plaque removal. Used alongside regular brushing and interdental cleaning, this toothpaste formulation is discussed as one approach that can support oral hygiene.
These recommendations reinforce the importance of evidence-based product selection. The objective is not simply to encourage the use of more oral-care products, but to help people understand which approaches are supported by scientific evidence and how they can incorporate them into effective daily routines.
Dr. William Minston, professional and scientific relations director at P&G Oral Care, said the consensus provides healthcare professionals with an evidence-based framework for understanding the relationship between oral health and overall health.
He also emphasized that the methods and technologies people use to clean their teeth can influence their ability to maintain effective oral hygiene.
The paper’s discussion of specific oral-care technologies is therefore intended to complement its broader message about prevention, informed decision-making and collaboration between dental and medical professionals.
Public Health Leaders Call for Policy Changes
The consensus calls on governments and health systems to make oral health a more prominent component of public health planning. Its recommendations include incorporating oral health into wider prevention strategies, improving education across healthcare professions, strengthening referral systems and addressing the social and behavioral factors that contribute to disease.
Professor Raman Bedi, president of the World Federation of Public Health Associations, said oral diseases affect billions of people and share important risk factors with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.
He noted that oral health remains outside many national noncommunicable disease strategies despite the scale of the problem. In his view, integrating oral health into prevention policies is a public health necessity rather than solely a dental concern.
The consensus calls for several changes in healthcare delivery and policy:
1. Integrate oral health into national prevention strategies. Governments should recognize oral health as part of broader efforts to reduce the burden of chronic diseases.
2. Strengthen education across health professions. Medical, nursing, pharmacy and dental training should equip professionals to provide appropriate oral-health guidance and recognize relevant warning signs.
3. Include oral health in routine healthcare. Where appropriate, healthcare services should incorporate oral-health assessments, preventive advice and referrals into patient care.
4. Improve collaboration between disciplines. Dental professionals, physicians, public health specialists and social-care providers should work together to support patients.
5. Address shared risk factors. Prevention strategies should consider sugar consumption, tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption and the wider social and commercial factors influencing health.
6. Reduce inequalities in access to care. Policymakers should support initiatives that improve access to oral-health education, preventive services and necessary treatment, particularly for underserved populations.
Dr. Gitana Rederiene, a dental public health researcher and dental hygienist, described the consensus as an important step toward incorporating oral health into everyday healthcare.
She emphasized the role of dental hygienists and other oral-health professionals in prevention, early detection and guiding patients toward appropriate services. Greater cooperation across healthcare disciplines, she said, could help reduce inequalities and improve both oral and overall health.
P&G Oral Care Welcomes the Independent Consensus
Procter & Gamble’s Oral Care business welcomed the publication of the independent consensus and said it would support efforts to make the recommendations easier for healthcare professionals and consumers to understand and implement.
Benjamin Binot, global president of P&G Oral Care, said the consensus reinforces the principle that the mouth should not be treated as separate from the rest of the body.
He emphasized the importance of translating scientific findings into practical actions that people can follow every morning and evening. This includes providing effective oral-care products, clear guidance and partnerships that bring oral health into wider healthcare discussions.
P&G Oral Care said it would continue developing products supported by scientific research while helping consumers understand how their daily habits and the technologies they use can influence oral health.
The company’s stated approach includes working with dental professionals, consumers, retailers and public health partners to support greater awareness of preventive oral care.
The consensus itself was convened by the EFP and EADPH, and its recommendations reflect a multidisciplinary effort to assess the available evidence and identify practical actions for healthcare systems and the public.
Consensus Presented at International Dental Research Meeting
The white paper was presented on September 3, 2026, at the International Association for Dental Research meeting in Lisbon, Portugal. The presentation took place during a symposium titled “Oral and Systemic Health: A Call to Action!”, supported by Procter & Gamble.
Speakers representing the EFP, EADPH and World Heart Federation discussed the scientific evidence connecting oral and systemic health, the prevention and treatment of gum inflammation, and the steps required to translate research findings into public health action.
The session was also recorded to make the discussion available to a broader professional audience.
The presentation marked an opportunity for dental, medical and public health specialists to discuss how the consensus could inform professional practice, public education and policy development.
A Coordinated Approach to Better Oral and Overall Health
The new international consensus calls for a fundamental shift in how oral health is understood and managed. Rather than treating dental care as a separate service, it encourages health systems to recognize the connections between oral diseases, chronic conditions and the social factors that influence access to prevention and treatment.
The recommendations combine individual actions, such as twice-daily brushing and daily interdental cleaning, with broader changes in professional education, clinical collaboration and public health policy.
The strongest evidence highlighted in the paper concerns the relationship between periodontitis and diabetes, including the potential benefits of periodontal treatment for blood glucose management. Its wider recommendations emphasize shared risk factors and opportunities for coordinated disease prevention while recognizing that the strength of evidence differs across conditions.
By bringing together dental professionals, physicians, public health leaders and policymakers, the consensus aims to make oral health a routine consideration in prevention and patient care.
Its central message is that healthier teeth and gums are not simply a matter of appearance or dental comfort. Effective oral care is an important part of maintaining health, and coordinated action across healthcare disciplines could help reduce preventable disease, address inequalities and improve outcomes for populations worldwide.
About the European Federation of Periodontology
The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) is a global non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting periodontal science and practice, and awareness of oral health and gum disease. Its vision is “Better oral health for all.” Through research, education, clinical-practice guidelines, and public-health initiatives, the EFP works to improve oral health and strengthen its integration within overall healthcare. The EFP represents national periodontal societies and promotes evidence-based approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal diseases.www.efp.org
About the European Association of Dental Public Health
The European Association of Dental Public Health (EADPH) is dedicated to improving oral health and reducing oral-health inequalities through research, education, policy, and public-health action. Bringing together experts from across Europe and beyond, the EADPH promotes evidence-based approaches that improve population oral health and support the integration of oral health within broader healthcare systems. https://www.eadph.org
About the World Federation of Public Health Associations
The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) is the global voice of public health, representing public health associations and organizations worldwide. Through advocacy, education, collaboration, and policy leadership, the WFPHA works to improve population health, reduce health inequalities, and strengthen public health systems. The Federation promotes evidence-based approaches to prevent disease and advance health and well-being for all. https://www.wfpha.org
About Oral-B
Oral-B is the worldwide leader in the over $5 billion brushing market, drawing upon 75+ years of expertise to empower healthier lives for all through better oral care. The brand features a wide variety of products to build a personalized oral care routine for the best clean every time, including manual, battery and electric toothbrushes for children and adults, and interdental products such as dental floss. Oral-B’s iO Series electric toothbrushes feature the latest in brushing technology, with a dentist-inspired oscillating-rotating round brush head that removes 100% more plaque than regular manual brushes, for cleaner teeth and healthier gums. https://www.oralb.com
About Crest
Since its launch in 1955, Crest has been at the forefront of oral care innovation, empowering healthier smiles for 70 years. Backed by decades of research and trusted by dental professionals, Crest offers a full portfolio of products designed to meet the evolving needs of families and individuals, from cavity protection and enamel strengthening to advanced whitening, gum health, and sensitivity relief with stabilized stannous fluoride. Beyond toothpaste, Crest provides comprehensive oral care solutions, including mouthwash, whitening treatments, and daily regimens that work together to help maximize the benefits of brushing. https://www.crest.com
About P&G
P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide.