Editing Preventive Dentistry

{{Infobox medical specialty
| name           = Preventive Dentistry
| image          = 
| caption        = Application of fluoride varnish is a primary preventive measure.
| focus          = Prevention of oral disease, maintenance of oral health, and patient education.
| related_fields = [[Dental Hygiene]], [[Dental Public Health]], [[Periodontology]]
}}

==Definition==
'''Preventive Dentistry''' is the branch of [[dentistry]] that focuses on procedures and life practices that help patients prevent the beginning or progression of oral disease. The goal is to maintain the natural dentition and supporting structures by preventing '''[[dental caries]]''', '''[[gingivitis]]''', and '''[[periodontitis]]'''.

Preventive dentistry is a collaborative effort between the dental professional (dentist and [[dental hygienist]]) and the patient.

==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.

==Home Care: The Patient's Role==
The "Medical Model" of preventive dentistry relies heavily on daily patient compliance:
* '''Mechanical Plaque Control''': Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and daily interdental cleaning (flossing, interdental brushes).
* '''Chemotherapeutic Agents''': The use of toothpaste and mouthrinses containing '''[[Fluoride]]''', '''Xylitol''', or antimicrobial agents like '''Chlorhexidine'''.
* '''Habit Cessation''': Programs to stop tobacco use, which is a major risk factor for '''[[Oral Cancer]]''' and periodontal disease.

==Clinical Procedures==

* '''[[Prophylaxis]]''': The mechanical removal of biofilm and extrinsic stains.
* '''[[Caries Risk Assessment]] (CRA)''': A diagnostic tool used to categorize a patient’s risk level (Low, Moderate, High, Extreme) based on salivary flow, diet, and existing restorations.
* '''Oral Hygiene Instruction (OHI)''': Personalized coaching on brushing techniques (e.g., the Bass Method) and flossing.

==Economic Impact==
Preventive dentistry is highly cost-effective. Research consistently shows that every dollar spent on preventive measures (like water fluoridation or sealants) saves significantly more in future restorative and emergency dental costs.

==See Also==
* [[Dental hygiene]]
* [[Dental Public Health]]
* [[Fluoride]]
* [[Remineralization]]

[[Category:Preventive Dentistry]]
[[Category:Dental Hygiene]]