Philips Marks World Oral Health Day With Oral Hygiene Resource

Philips released an oral health infographic to mark World Oral Health Day on March 20. The aim of the release is to help dental professionals empower their patients to take control of their oral health.

During routine office visits, dentists are encouraged to ask about their patients' at-home oral hygiene habits and to educate patients on evidence-based solutions and tools. Dentists are also encouraged to talk to patients about the oral-systemic link and how their oral health is linked to other chronic conditions.

About 52% of adults visit the dentist as recommended, and dentists can become trusted partners by evaluating their oral health and asking questions about their habits, according to Philips. Additionally, about 32% of adults do not floss, and motivating patients to comply with flossing can increase patient confidence and result in overall healthier checkups.

According to Philips, 47% of adults 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease and there are over 57 systemic conditions that may be associated with oral inflammation, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and pulmonary disease. For patients with periodontitis, Philips notes that easy-to-use tools can reduce symptoms of inflammation.

Dental professionals play an important role in patients’ overall health. By educating patients with evidence-based tools, dentists can ease oral systemic conditions, increase patient confidence, and encourage patients to take ownership of their oral health.