Gingivitis Awareness Week starts 23 April
Gingivitis Week has been launched for the first time in Australia with new research on the “healthy mouth/healthy body” link.
Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums and infection of the surrounding bone area, is one of the most common health conditions in Australia. A recent study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare showed that one in five Australian adults suffer from moderate to severe gingivitis.
The awareness week will highlight the emerging research of a link between gum diseases and other health issues including cardiovascular risk, kidney health and renal failure, pancreatic cancer, and low birth weight babies.
Around one in four adult Australians do not know what gingivitis is, and similarly one in four do not think there is a link between poor oral hygiene and serious health conditions.
The week will also educate people about good oral health with the help of dental experts and emphasise the vital process of brushing, flossing and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash.
