Bruno Affentranger: “Access to self-care is a human right.”

Almost half of the world’s population is affected by oral diseases, as reported in various surveys, including a recent meta-study based on data from the European Federation of Periodontists. 

It is clear that periodontitis and tooth decay predominate among oral diseases. To consider these in isolation from overall health would be a gross mistake, a fact that is increasingly confirmed by scientific research. Risk factors for oral diseases, such as a high-sugar diet, tobacco, or alcohol consumption, have been proven to increase the threat of suffering from other common non-communicable diseases. But what are non-communicable diseases? We refer to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or a stroke. 

It is important to keep these connections in mind, a theme we have detailed in The Gentle Guide to Oral Health and Human Happiness. We have provided numerous wonderful examples and introduced equally amazing people from the world of dentistry to prove that an overall view is not only possible but is already being practised in a profitable manner.

45 percent of the world’s population suffers from oral diseases. The repair costs are immense, while the expenditure on sensible preventive measures is still negligible. This needs to change – and much more: because, in the here and now, not everyone has access to knowledge about and services for proper oral care. Moreover, people who are less well-educated or come from poorer backgrounds are at a severe disadvantage, suffering from oral diseases more often than average. 

This situation is almost intolerable in the 21st century. Access to self-care from an early age must be available to everyone – it is a human right and must be recognised as such. It is worth fighting for. 

We want to take up this challenge and be part of this revolution in healthcare, committed to prevention and spreading knowledge about self-care for all. The Gentle Guide is leading the way towards oral health and human happiness, including in all future issues and articles. 

Be prepared and join us.