Gum diseases are painless, and bleeding gums are the most common sign of gum disease. Gums do not bleed for no reason. If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or bite down on food, you should see your dentist for a periodontal check-up as soon as possible.

This 'Gum Health Day is an initiative of the European Federation of Periodontology, which brings together 37 national periodontal societies representing more than 16,000 periodontists, dentists, researchers, and oral health professionals from Europe and worldwide. 

Gum health is a critical factor for general health and well-being throughout life. That is why periodontal disease should be considered a significant public health problem, as it affects millions worldwide and is associated with severe conditions.

Gingivitis, periodontitis, and periimplantitis are chronic inflammatory gum diseases affecting hundreds of millions worldwide. Unfortunately, gum diseases are still poorly recognized by the general population, even though scientific evidence shows that they can pose a threat to public health, as they are associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, certain forms of cancer, complications of pregnancy, erectile dysfunction and other severe or chronic conditions.

More than 40 countries are joining the 'Gum Health Day 2020': Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australasia. In addition, EFP and its affiliates have organized a wide range of digital initiatives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including educational videos, publications, social media campaigns, Instagram Live sessions, and other online initiatives.

Last year, this 'Day' was celebrated in 47 countries: 28 in Europe, 13 in Latin America, five in Asia, and one in Africa; twelve non-EU countries decided to participate in this campaign. "Gum Health Day 2020 is a major VET initiative to inform the public each year about the value of healthy gums for healthy living," explains Dr. Xavier Struillou, President of EFP. "Even if we are living in exceptional and strange times around the world with the Covid-19 pandemic, we must not forget the role of our gum health in our global health. Therefore, taking care of our gums is especially important these days. He says.

Regaining the pace of care in dentistry is essential to maintaining patients' oral health. In addition, it is necessary to continue working on strategies for the prevention and care of periodontal tissues, which, in turn, contribute to improving the quality of life and general health of the population.