To commemorate this date, the General Council of Dentists of Spain remembers the fundamental importance of oral health in the general well-being of people and the need to facilitate access to quality dental services for all citizens, regardless of their economic level.

It is worth remembering that the Collegiate Organization of Dentists has offered its full collaboration to the Government of Spain to develop and implement the Oral Health Plan with the aim of expanding the portfolio of social security services and combating inequality.

The General Council of Dentists has always defended the scientific evidence that demonstrates the interconnection between oral health and systemic health, highlighting the enormous incidence of oral pathologies, such as caries and periodontal disease, and the evident need for these pathologies to be treated. on time.

Not in vain, dental caries is positioned as one of the most prevalent chronic diseases globally, affecting people of all ages and socioeconomic strata. This condition not only entails problems directly related to oral health, but it can also be the beginning of systemic diseases or aggravate pre-existing conditions, evidencing the intrinsic relationship between oral health and general health. It is estimated that about 38.5 million people are affected by cavities in our country.

“Oral health is an integral component of overall health and well-being. It cannot, nor should, be considered in isolation,” says Dr. Óscar Castro, president of the General Council of Dentists of Spain. “It is imperative that the dentist be recognized as a qualified and essential professional, whose intervention is crucial not only to treat oral pathologies, but also to detect in time systemic conditions that may initially manifest in the oral cavity.”

In addition to cavities, diseases such as periodontitis are linked to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. This link reinforces the need for a comprehensive approach to health care, where the prevention and treatment of oral diseases should form an essential part of the public health strategy. Some 18 million adults in Spain have periodontitis, 5 million in its severe form.

“On this World Health Day, we insist on the need to reinforce efforts towards greater inclusion of oral health in public health policies. It is essential to guarantee access to quality dental care for everyone, recognizing that oral health is also a right,” he assured.