Alarming figures recently published in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Oral Health Status Report reveal that close to half the world’s population (45% or 3.5 billion people) suffer from untreated oral diseases. The report also reveals that untreated oral diseases – including the top two issues of untreated cavities (caries) and severe gum disease – affect more people worldwide than mental disorders, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and cancers combined. With numerous studies revealing a strong link between poor oral health and chronic diseases, the WHO’s findings are a timely reminder of just how important good, long-term oral health habits are in not only helping you prevent oral diseases, but also in maintaining your overall health and wellbeing – not just today on World Oral Health Day, but every day. [1]

The importance of prevention

Today, we know oral diseases are largely preventable and if diagnosed early require only simple intervention to treat – a point highlighted in the WHO’s report. The WHO's 2021 landmark resolution, which underpins that maintaining a healthy mouth can reduce your chances of developing wider health issues, also highlights the importance of preventing oral diseases through both regular dental check-ups and good brushing at home. The WHO report findings are a clear and worrying signal that too many people still struggle to access the oral health care they need and deserve.

Complete oral care for the best results

To maintain a healthy mouth and make it accessible for many people, Philips strives to make the recommended brushing routine for two minutes, twice a day, effortless and easy. With 30 years of expertise, Philips Sonicare offers a full range of solutions, ranging from entry level toothbrushes to personalized solutions with an AI-powered app, as well as Sonicare for Kids that comes with a gamification app to help kids reach the recommended two-minute brushing time with ease. Sonicare technology moves the bristle tips to sweep gently and remove biofilm and creates continuous sonic fluid action driving fluid deep between teeth and along the gumline. Effortless and effective, Sonicare DiamondClean Prestige 9900 is Philips’ most advanced power toothbrush, ensuring you always get it right when it comes to your oral care. Together with the Premium All-in-One brush head, it has angled bristles to help remove up to 20x more plaque versus a manual toothbrush, even in hard-to-reach areas.[2] Philips Sonicare uses SenseIQ technology – smart features that observe brushing behavior using built-in sensors to identify your brushing style, adjusting the intensity automatically – so no more putting too much pressure on your gums. The toothbrush works in perfect harmony with the AI-powered Philips Sonicare app, which provides real-time guidance on brushing pressure, motion, coverage, duration and frequency and provides you with personalized recommendations and actionable steps for better results.

Much-desired innovative products at every age, Philips Sonicare for Kids Connected makes brushing teeth fun with game character Sparkly, helping kids reach the recommended two-minute brushing time with ease. Going beyond brushing to interdental health, Sonicare’s range of Power Flossers with Quad Stream technology produce an x-shaped stream of water that reaches deep between teeth, removing up to 99.9% of plaque in treated areas.

Empowering a future of healthy mouths

The WHO’s findings are a reminder on this World Oral Health Day of the vital importance of investing in a healthy mouth – for life. With the awareness and importance of the link between oral and overall health growing each day, Philips continues to innovate to help you adopt good habits and take charge of your oral health at home effortlessly and effectively; because a healthy mouth now may mean less health-related issues for you in the future.

[1] Dietrich T, Garcia RI. Associations between periodontal disease and systemic disease: Evaluating the strength of the evidence. J. Periodontol 2005;76:2175-2184 AND Barnett ML. The oral-systemic disease connection. An update for the practicing dentist. J AM Dent Assoc 2006: 137 (suppl): 5S-6S.
[2] vs a manual toothbrush