Impact of the global burden of periodontal diseases on health, nutrition and wellbeing of mankind: A call for global action.

BACKGROUND: The global burden of periodontal diseases remains high. Population growth trends, changes in risk factors and improved tooth retention will increase the socio-economic burden of periodontitis that is responsible for 3.5 million years lived with disability, 54 billion USD/year in lost productivity and a major portion of the 442 billion USD/year cost for oral diseases.

METHODS: In the context of the Milan World Exhibition 2015 "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life," a green paper was developed and offered for global consultation by the European Federation of Periodontology. The final draft was endorsed by professional organizations around the world and is presented to stakeholders as a call for global action.

RESULTS: Specific actions for the public, policymakers, educators and professional organizations have been identified in the areas of prevention, detection and care. These actions align public interest and knowledge, need for self-care, professional intervention and policies to the best scientific evidence to proactively promote periodontal health and effectively manage the global burden of periodontal diseases, in accordance with WHO/UN priorities and strategies for tackling common non-communicable diseases via the Common Risk Factor Approach.

CONCLUSIONS: A strong and coherent body of evidence allows identification of actionable preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to effectively promote periodontal health and general wellbeing, and better manage the socio-economic consequences. Action requires consideration of the specific national scenarios.