It so happens that in our country, only 49% of the population visits the dentist annually, according to data from the European Health Survey in Spain , which causes some oral pathologies to be detected in advanced stages, complicating their approach and treatment and raising costs.

"In order to enjoy optimal oral health, it is necessary to maintain good eating and hygiene habits and go regularly for dental check-ups, since they are essential to detect oral pathologies and treat them on time", says the president of the General Council, Dr. Óscar Castro Kingdom.

Dr. Castro recalls that it is common for us to commit certain excesses during the summer months and holidays with the intake of carbonated drinks, alcohol, ice cream, sweets or industrial pastries, which negatively affect people's oral health.

For this reason, the General Council of Dentists advises citizens to limit the consumption of these products, exercise extreme oral hygiene with exhaustive brushing at least twice a day and go to the dentist for a check-up at least once a year.

"We have to take the health of our mouth very seriously," stresses Dr. Castro, since scientific evidence has shown that poor oral health can lead to systemic diseases such as lung or kidney diseases, risk of myocardial infarction, difficulties in the control of diabetes, causing premature births, etc.

“This happens because oral pathogenic bacteria enter the bloodstream and reach organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, or cross the placenta in case of pregnancy, increasing the chances of developing or worsening diseases,” he says.

As indicated, prevention is still the best tool to avoid complications. "The best way to protect the health of our mouth is to go to the dentist and after the summer holidays is an ideal time to do so," she concluded.