Dentaid has developed the first consensus document with expert recommendations on oral health care based on life stages, taking into account the emotional or physiological needs of each person. A manual created alongside a multidisciplinary team of experts in dentistry, oral hygiene, and psychology.
The document has been coordinated by Dr. Alberto Monje, periodontist at CICOM Monje (Badajoz) and lecturer at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya and the University of Michigan (USA). It brings together the knowledge of dentists, hygienists, and psychologists to provide a scientific and practical framework that guides oral health professionals in adapting their recommendations for oral care according to the specific needs of each life stage.
“At Dentaid, we firmly believe that taking care of oneself starts with the mouth. With this document, we take a step further in our purpose of promoting and improving people's oral health, adding to the prevention and treatment of pathologies a fundamental aspect that is often overlooked: the relationship between oral health, emotional well-being, and quality of life,” explains Patricia Antón, Head of the Medical Area at Dentaid. “Our mouth is the connection point between physical, mental, and social health, and understanding its care as part of overall well-being helps us evolve towards personalized dentistry.”
A paradigm shift in oral care with a holistic approach
The concept of self-care has gained unprecedented relevance in today's society. However, oral health has not always been part of this holistic approach, which is now becoming particularly important. Society is increasingly aware of the importance of the mouth and its direct relationship with the state of overall health, and this factor allows more people to enjoy a healthy mouth. Growing scientific evidence shows that factors such as stress, anxiety, and nutrition have a direct impact on oral health, underscoring the need for a more personalized prevention and treatment model adapted to current lifestyles.
“The mouth is much more than teeth and gums; it is a clear reflection of our overall health. With this document, focused on addressing how to improve the care of a healthy mouth according to life stages, we propose adapting the way health professionals approach oral care, placing it at the center of people's overall well-being,” states Dr. Alberto Monje, coordinator of the publication.
The document analyzes how the mouth evolves with life and how each stage presents specific challenges that require differentiated strategies. From childhood and adolescence to maturity, through adulthood and active aging, the document highlights the importance of oral care routines adapted to each life stage, with special emphasis on prevention and education in oral health.
A reference document for health professionals
This document, agreed upon by several experts related to the topic, offers dentists, hygienists, and other health and dentistry specialists a key tool to:
- Improve patient adherence to oral hygiene routines, with personalized motivational strategies, taking into account the physiological and emotional changes of each person.
- Integrate oral health into self-care and overall well-being for people with a healthy mouth
- Raise awareness about the impact of stress and mental health on the oral cavity, providing multidisciplinary approaches for its management.
Katia Merino, dental hygienist and trainer with extensive experience in one of the most prestigious clinics in Spain and an expert participant in the document, emphasizes that “this consensus will mark a before and after in the way we understand oral health for patients with a healthy mouth. We not only reinforce the importance of oral hygiene at every stage of life, but we also highlight its connection with physical and emotional well-being. As hygienists, our role is key to educating and supporting each person in implementing healthy habits and personalizing them.”
Stress and anxiety have a direct impact on our oral health. According to psychologists Ana Asensio and María Ros, the mouth plays a fundamental role in personal security, sociability, and self-esteem. Studies have shown that oral health can reflect a person's emotional and psychological state. Moreover, smiling has pleasurable effects on the body and brain, contributing to healthy psychological and emotional well-being. Asensio and Ros highlight that “The connection between mind and body is undeniable, and oral health is no exception.”
On her part, Dr. María Josep Albert, periodontist, implantologist, and director of the Albert and Barber clinic, emphasizes that “if self-care aims to maintain health and today's society increasingly demonstrates to healthcare professionals more interest in this area, dental professionals, such as dentists and hygienists, must incorporate this way of understanding and attending to people into our clinical and professional practice. In this way, we will be addressing this demand from today's society, which also translates into health.”
This document represents a significant advance in modern dentistry and aims to be a reference in the training and updating of oral health specialists. Its publication not only seeks to inform, but also to inspire a change in daily clinical practice, promoting a more approachable, human oral care approach that impacts their motivations to incorporate positive changes in oral health and improve each person's quality of life.
Access to the consensus document
The complete document is available for consultation and download at Guide to Oral Care. From this platform, professionals will be able to access complementary materials and specific recommendations to expand their knowledge about the new paradigm of oral care.