Introduction to Preventive Dentistry Dr. Hala Fath Allah Ben Ghasheer DrDPH , MCOH, MDSc , BDS 1 3/2/2024
Aim: To introduce the concept of preventive dentistry Learning Objectives : At the end of this lecture students should be able to : Define prevention and preventive dentistry. Understand the basic concept of prevention List the levels of prevention Explain the approaches of p ervention 3/2/2024 2
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What is prevention & 3/2/2024 4
Disease prevention refers to the actions taken to avoid or reduce the risk of developing a disease or health condition. Preventive Dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on maintaining good oral health and preventing dental issues before they occur. 3/2/2024 5
It involves a combination of patient education, regular dental check-ups, cleanings, and other treatments to keep the teeth and gums healthy . it plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of various dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, enamel wear, and more serious conditions. 3/2/2024 6
Most oral diseases can be prevented or managed by ‘healthy behaviours’ such as enjoying a healthy balanced diet and cleaning teeth and gums effectively. 3/2/2024 7
Criteria for succesful Prevention The disease and conditions are significant. Identification of the cause, risk factors, and risk groups Availability of prophylactic and early detection measures. Sufficient resources are available to implement the preventive measures. 3/2/2024 8
Principles of Prevention in Dentistry Control of disease Maintenance of oral health Patient education and motivation Development of host resistance Restoration of function 3/2/2024 9
Regular Dental Check-ups: Routine visits to the dentist allow for early detection of any potential issues and prompt treatment. Professional Cleanings: Dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing may miss. Education: Dentists provide guidance on proper oral hygiene practices, including brushing techniques, flossing, diet recommendations, and more. Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Sealants: Dental sealants are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to protect them from decay. 3/2/2024 10
Benefits Prevents Dental Issues: Regular preventive care can help avoid common dental problems. Cost-Effective: Preventive dentistry is often less expensive than treating advanced dental issues . Maintains Oral Health: By promoting good oral hygiene habits, preventive dentistry helps individuals maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout their lives. 3/2/2024 11
Levels Of Prevention Primordial Primary Secondary Tertiary prevention 3/2/2024 12
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primordial prevention) It is the prevention of emergence or development of risk factors in countries or population group in which they have not yet appeared. It seeks to prevent at a very early stage, often before the risk factor is present The main intervention is Education and Promotion Examples: establishing healthy communities through national programs and policies that promote a healthy lifestyle ( for example, through free healthy school meals or regular physical activities, policies to stop smoking/ alchohol / drugs). 3/2/2024 16
Primary prevention It is the action taken prior to the onset of the disease, which removes the possibility that a disease will even occur’. It is carried out on healthy populations. Examples : ingestion of optimally fluoridated water and application of pit and fissure sealants. 3/2/2024 17
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Secondary prevention It is the ‘actions which halts the progress of a disease at its incipient stage and prevents complications’. Examples : screening that result in early detection of disease, prompt antibiotic treatment. 3/2/2024 22
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Tertiary prevention It is all measures available to reduce or limit impairments and disabilities. The aim of tertiary prevention is to limit disability and prevent further complications or impairment. 3/2/2024 24
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Approaches of Primary Prevention: The WHO has recommended the following approaches: 3/2/2024 27
is directed at the whole population irrespective of individual risk levels Example: Water fluoridation Is used when the prevalence of the disease in a population is high. Population strategy: 3/2/2024 28
High-risk Strategy: It aims to bring preventive care to individuals or a group at special risk, which will reduce their risk factors. 3/2/2024 29
1 - At home by the individual patient. e .g. oral hygiene measures 2 - In the dental office e.g. fissure sealant application 3 - At the community level e.g. School water fluoridation Preventive dentistry can be applied : 3/2/2024 30