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

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.

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.