In Italy, oral health is a silent emergency. According to the latest survey by the Nomisma Observatory – ReS Foundation, 85% of Italians have gum or dental problems, often without realizing the direct link between the mouth and many systemic diseases. A figure that illustrates a worrying situation, but simultaneously occurring offers an enormous opportunity: investing in prevention to improve general health and reduce the costs of the national health system.
To face this challenge, the Multidisciplinary Scientific Committee for Oral and Systemic Health was born, for the first time in our country, promoted by the FISM and presented in the Senate. Sitting at the table are institutions, scientific societies, universities such as Sapienza and Università cattolica, clinical experts and Professor Enrico Gherlone as major advisor. The objective is clear: to make oral health a national priority, because the mouth is not just an aesthetic issue, but the gateway to the entire organism.
Because oral health is a matter of general health
Science confirms it: inflamed gums are not a simple nuisance. The buildup of plaque and oral bacteria – including P. gingivalis – can cause chronic inflammation and spread to the rest of the body. The literature indicates an increased risk of:
- diabetes
- heart attack and stroke
- cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease
- rheumatoid arthritis
- complications in pregnancy
- autoimmune diseases including some forms of celiac disease
Despite this, the majority of Italians does not know these correlations: 88% are unaware of the link between oral health and cognitive diseases, 74% with diabetes, 58% with respiratory diseases and 49% with cardiovascular diseases.
A cultural problem even before a health one
Prevention is still lacking: only 63% of people with chronic diseases receive information on the relationship with oral hygiene, almost always from the dentist and rarely from the family doctor.
and habits don’t help:
- only 1 in 4 Italians use an electric toothbrush
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