Dentists sound the alarm on oral health

The Romanian College of Dentists warns of a crisis that is being ignored by everyone: poor oral health affects the majority of the population, and early signs, such as bleeding gums, are often overlooked. According to a national study conducted in 2024, over 60% of Romanians show signs of gum disease, while almost a third of respondents consider bleeding gums to be "normal". "The data confirms a reality known to practitioners, but little understood by society as a whole: oral health is deeply neglected," said Dr. Florin Lăzărescu, president of the Romanian College of Dentists.

• Prevention, still neglected

Less than 20% of Romanians go for a routine dental check-up annually, despite the recommendations of specialists. This lack of prevention favors the progression of periodontal diseases, which can lead to tooth loss, but also to serious systemic complications. "Gingival inflammation can become foci of chronic infection and can negatively influence general health by spreading bacteria and inflammatory mediators," warns Dr. Mariana Cărămidă, treasurer of CMSR. Scientific studies confirm the link between gum diseases and diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases or complications during pregnancy.

• Solutions proposed by CMSR

The College of Dentists advocates for the integration of oral health into public health education policies, starting in school, and for the expansion of financing of preventive dental services through the National Health Insurance House (CNAS). Among the proposed measures: including oral health in national health education programs; increasing the financing of reimbursed dental work; developing an extensive list of preventive treatments covered by the public system;

facilitating access to services in disadvantaged environments. "Gingival health is not an aesthetic fad, but an essential indicator of overall health. Investing in prevention reduces healthcare system costs and increases the quality of life of the population," stressed Dr. Cărămidă.

• Call for change

In the context in which gum diseases are reversible in their early stages, specialists are calling on the population not to ignore symptoms such as bleeding, swelling or receding gums and to have regular check-ups.