BSP UK clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of periodontitis (gum disease)

checking for gum disease (periodontitis)The BSP, in conjunction with GSK, has launched clinical guidelines for the treatment of periodontitis (gum disease).

The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) engaged a group of international experts to systematically review evidence from clinical studies to create clinical guidelines for the treatment of periodontitis (gum disease).

The British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry (BSP) has also moved rapidly to take the European document and develop a British version of the guidelines. This is to make sure they are suitable for the UK healthcare system.

The paper is published recently in the Journal of Dentistryhttps://authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S0300-5712(20)30310-9.

Gum disease

This is an incredibly important project.

Poor gum health can lead to tooth loss and affect other systemic health issues. Such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and dementia.

It was wonderful that European experts came together to look at the four main phases of periodontal disease management. With a view to creating clear guidelines for all.

The BSP has been kindly supported by GSK to record several educational videos and also produce flowchart resources to help dental care professionals to implement the guidelines in clinical practice.

By creating a series of short video clips, we can then help to spread the important educational message to the wider dental profession, patients and the public.

We aim to distribute our clinical guideline flowchart to all dental practices in the UK. This will accompany their classification flow chart.

Guidance for the public

The BPS is also producing a lay version of the guidelines for the public and patients.

It was extremely important to the BSP to involve patients, who could present their important viewpoints in the workshops.

It is also important to involve patients when creating a lay version of the guidelines.

This lay version will allow patients to empower themselves with evidence-based information. They can both take responsibility for aspects of their disease management and know that the clinician is offering appropriate, contemporary, evidence treatment.

In addition, the BSP has created a lay flowchart. This conveys the importance of gum health in a simplified, informative way.

Our aim in creating resources for patients and the public include:

  • Help the public understand what gum disease is
  • Raise awareness of how you can look after your gums and maintain good oral health
  • Reduce the stigma associated with gum disease (as highlighted in ‘The sound of periodontitis’ video) by identifying the many causes including smoking, diabetes etc
  • Highlight that patients can do more to aid gum health in addition to brushing your teeth
  • Encourage the patient to take ownership of their disease and highlight the ways they can do this.

For more information email [email protected], call 0844 335 1915 or visit www.bsperio.org.uk.

GSK has also launched a microsite explaining all about the importance and how to manage erosive tooth wear.

To find our more about how to spot erosive tooth wear and find out why you can’t afford to miss it, simply visit GSK’s microsite, gsk.dentistry.co.uk.

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