An international multidisciplinary working group called for increased collaboration among dental, medical, and public health professionals, greater integration of oral health into prevention strategies, and reduced disparities in access to prevention and care, according to a press release.
Published in Periodontology 2000, the consensus was developed by specialists in periodontology, cardiology, diabetes care, family medicine, public health, social care, and health education. The European Federation of Periodontology and the European Association of Dental Public Health convened the working group to develop recommendations for incorporating oral health into broader health care strategies.
Oral diseases affect approximately 3.5 billion people worldwide and share risk factors with other noncommunicable diseases, including added sugar consumption, tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, and disparities in access to care and nutritious food.
The consensus highlighted the relationship between periodontal disease and systemic health, particularly diabetes. “The evidence is clearest for diabetes, where treating gum disease helps patients control their blood sugar,” said Professor Moritz Kebschull, a past president of the European Federation of Periodontology and lead author of the paper.
The recommendations highlighted effective plaque removal through twice-daily toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste and daily interdental cleaning. Additional preventive measures included reducing added sugar intake, avoiding tobacco and harmful alcohol use, and scheduling dental visits according to individual risk and clinical needs.
The consensus referenced systematic reviews reporting reductions in plaque accumulation and improvements in gingival health with oscillating-rotating powered toothbrushes. Stannous fluoride toothpaste was also identified as an evidence-supported adjunct to mechanical plaque removal.
The authors also recommended strengthening oral health education across health professions and incorporating oral health into routine care when appropriate.
The consensus was presented September 3, 2026, at an International Association for Dental Research meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, during a symposium supported by Procter & Gamble.
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