title: Preventive strategies and supportive treatment.
abstract: There is a preponderance of evidence in the literature that periodontal and other oral diseases, such as caries, can be treated and controlled by thorough mechanical plaque removal by the patient, the use of antimicrobial agents and antibiotics when necessary, and participation with the therapist in a well monitored, long-range program of supportive periodontal therapy. Recent evidence suggests that the control and prevention of oral disease, especially periodontitis, is especially important for patients with various systemic conditions that can be impacted by oral infections. It is far better for patients and therapists to practice primary and even secondary prevention with effective plaque control and regular, consistent supportive periodontal therapy, than having to rely on tertiary prevention for disease that has progressed to a level that requires costly treatment, is time-consuming and carries a greater risk of morbidity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics and Allied Dental Programs, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
authors.forename: E B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Hancock
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Newell
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010517:Periodontics / Q000295:instrumentation; D011322:Primary Prevention; D011859:Radiography; D012008:Recurrence; D012074:Remission Induction; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local