Strategies for the prevention of periodontal disease and its impact on general health in Latin America. Section III: Prevention

Abstract

Dental plaque removal and the understanding of risk factors, risk indicators and social determinants are important components in the prevention of periodontal disease. Periodontal diseases and dental caries are largely preventable conditions, but require a "common risk factor approach" with non-communicable diseases with the purpose of improving their prevention and control, and positive impact on health. The aim of this consensus was to identify the evidence and gaps in periodontal prevention in Latin American, and to propose individual and collective recommendations for the population, health professionals, dental practice and government. The prevention of periodontal diseases in Latin America has mainly been focused on oral hygiene instruction, use of toothbrushes and interproximal devices, but in some patients, it is necessary to use adjuncts to these measures, such as antimicrobial and/or probiotic products that are backed by broad scientific evidence. Some evidence has shown that there are inadequate knowledge, attitudes and practices among patients, dentist and other health professionals. The prevention of periodontal diseases and caries should be adopted as a healthy lifestyle routine, because of their local and systemic effects. Recently, new empowerment strategies have been proposed in order to generate behavioral changes. Periodontal diseases can often be prevented, or controlled by joined efforts between government health systems, scientific associations, universities, health professionals, private companies and communities. In conclusion, the relations between periodontal diseases, caries, healthy lifestyles and NCD's offer an ideal opportunity to change Latin American prevention strategies at both the individual level and population levels.

Masticatory function in elderly compared to young adults

“…A study carried out in Japan (22) showed that elderly with higher numbers of natural teeth have a better quality of life, with lower mortality rates and longer life expectancy. The study by Ikebe et al (23) demonstrated that the elderly participants in the study had a greater number of natural teeth and a lower prevalence of dental prostheses use, but this assumption was not observed in this study, being relevant for the Brazilian population to increase oral health care through development of oral promotion and rehabilitation programs (24) .…”

Periodontal diseases: is it possible to prevent them? A populational and individual approach

“…Hence, a shift towards CRFA to reduce the most common oral diseases, including periodontal disease, is needed in government preventive programs and strategies, with the participation and commitment of oral health professionals. 18…”

“…Therefore, behavioral factors are key concerns to prevent periodontal diseases. 18 Promoting behavioral and lifestyle changes to reduce risk factors and optimize long-term adherence to professional advice is essential in the prevention and management of chronic conditions, including periodontal diseases. 29 Previous systematic reviews drew cautious conclusions that interventions based on psychological theories aiming to change behaviors provided better results than nontheory-based or simple educational interventions.…”

“…29,30 There is some evidence that oral hygiene in patients with periodontal diseases may be improved by oral health education based on behavioral interventions and motivational interviewing. 18 There are different interventions based on different psychological theories and behavioral models. 18,31 These interventions are based on the assumption that many psychological factors (e.g.…”

Condiciones modificadoras del riesgo de enfermedad periodontal: una revisión narrativa sobre la evidencia en américa latina

“…En ese sentido, el control de placa adecuado y la consolidación del autocuidado por parte del paciente, podría disminuir la inflamación gingival y por ende disminuir la probabilidad de desarrollar periodontitis o de que esta progrese. Del mismo modo, un pobre control de placa dentomicrobiana, podría aumentar la susceptibilidad de un individuo al desarrollo de periodontitis (60).…”