Editing Preventive Dentistry (section)

==Levels of Prevention==
In public health and clinical practice, prevention is categorized into three levels:

===1. Primary Prevention===
Measures taken before any disease appears.
* '''[[Community Water Fluoridation]]''': Systemic mineral enrichment to strengthen developing enamel.
* '''[[Dental Sealants]]''': Plastic coatings applied to the pits and fissures of permanent molars to "seal out" bacteria.
* '''Dietary Counseling''': Reducing the frequency of fermentable carbohydrate intake to limit acid production by ''[[Streptococcus mutans]]''.

===2. Secondary Prevention===
Early detection and intervention to stop the progression of disease in its earliest stages.
* '''Routine Dental Exams''': Using [[radiology]] and visual inspection to find "incipient" (early) caries.
* '''[[Professional Prophylaxis]]''': Scaling and polishing to remove plaque and [[calculus]] (tartar) that the patient cannot remove at home.
* '''[[Fluoride Therapy]]''': High-concentration topical applications to promote '''remineralization''' of demineralized enamel.

===3. Tertiary Prevention===
Rehabilitative measures to replace lost tissues and restore function after significant disease has occurred.
* '''[[Dental Implants]]''' or '''[[Bridges]]''': To prevent the shifting of teeth and "collapse" of the bite after an extraction.
* '''[[Periodontal Surgery]]''': To prevent further bone loss in advanced cases.