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.