The British Society of Periodontology (BSP) has launched a UK campaign to raise awareness of gum disease aimed at both dental professionals and the general public.

(l-r) Iain Chapple, head of Periodontology at the University of Birmingham, Ruth Doherty, BDJ Managing Editor and Philip Greene, president of the BSP at the recent BSP Spring Meeting in Manchester

The campaign, part of a Europe-wide initiative led by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), will target dental professionals over the next two years to show they are checking on everyone's gum health and making improvements where necessary.

Professor Iain Chapple, head of Periodontology at the University of Birmingham (UK) and EFP Treasurer, said: 'As a clinician, you assume that people know what periodontitis is. But though they might be familiar with the term 'gum disease' the vast majority don't know what periodontitis is, how common it is or that it is a silent disease until it's too late. I think if the public did know those basic facts a lot of people would be a lot more motivated towards getting it checked out.'

Eight out of ten adults over-35 suffer from some kind of gum complaint and recent research suggests that there are links between healthy gums and general well-being, including systemic illnesses such as diabetes and cardio health. The research, gathered over a period of 30 years, also raises the possibility of periodontal health check-ups becoming future screening points for the diagnosis of other systemic illnesses. This means dentists will work more closely with specialists such as cardiologists in spotting the warning signs of cardiovascular complaints.

Such evidence was the focus of a systematic scientific review procedure in Spain last November where leading European and US dental academics gathered to discuss a key selection of reports. Further information and a video describing the review workshop can be found at www.efp.org/.

The BSP will be embarking on many activities across the country over the coming months to educate and engage the public and health professionals about the importance of periodontal care.