Preventive Dentistry: The Future of Oral Health

As the old adage goes, “prevention is better than healing” – and this couldn’t be truer in the field of dentistry. Preventive dentistry has become a cornerstone of modern dental practice, with tremendous progress achieved in reducing the incidence of caries and periodontal disease globally.

Traditionally, prevention and treatment were seen as separate entities. However, with advancements in research and technology, the boundaries between these two fields have blurred. Today, preventive dentistry encompasses a wide range of strategies, from primary prevention to secondary and tertiary prevention, all aimed at promoting oral health and preventing disease progression.

New Developments and Innovations in Preventive Dentistry

This comprehensive book delves into the latest developments and innovations in preventive dentistry, covering topics such as:

• Primary “real” prevention
• Secondary prevention through inactivating initial lesions
• Tertiary prevention to prevent subsequent progression and complications of manifest oral disease

The book presents evidence-based research translated into clinical dental practice, making it an invaluable resource for:

• Dental students
• The entire dental practice team
• Educators
• Health scientists
• Policy makers

Rather than providing formulaic recipes, the book focuses on the rationale behind the changes in dental practices, ensuring that readers gain a deep understanding of the underlying principles.

Comprehensive Coverage of Preventive Dentistry

A team of international experts has contributed to this book, covering a broad spectrum of topics, including:

• New understanding and management of caries and periodontal disease
• Prevention of orthodontic problems
• Diagnostic approaches
• The role of diet and recommendations for oral health
• Routes to better oral hygiene
• Changes in oral disease patterns and their consequences
• Non- and minimally invasive caries treatment
• Current fluoride guidelines, including the use of silver fluorides
• Risk management and a common risk-factor approach
• Facilitating behavior changes
• Sealants and probiotics

This comprehensive coverage caters to the needs of dental professionals working with patients across the lifespan, from early childhood to seniors, and provides a framework for implementing preventive-oriented dental practice.

With its focus on evidence-based research and practical applications, this book is poised to make a significant impact on teaching and clinical dentistry, ultimately contributing to better oral health outcomes for patients worldwide.