News

Supporting patients’ daily challenges with plaque management

​Up to half of the population suffers from periodontitis and at-home daily dental plaque control between dental visits is key to maintaining oral health. Gingivitis and periodontitis are a continuum of the same inflammatory disease; however, it does not follow that gingivitis will always progress to periodontitis. Evidence also indicates that interrupting the plaque colonisation process may well offer the most appropriate approach in helping to prevent the progression of periodontal diseases.

Unfortunately, it is also known that, for a variety of reasons, brushing and interdental cleaning alone may be insufficient to maintain an adequate level of plaque control in many people.

Limitations in the oral care routines of patients include:

When to take action

Offering insight into the reality of patients’ situation, speaking at the launch of Oral Health Month earlier this year, Professor Iain Chapple, commented on the fact that periodontal disease prevalence has changed very little in the last 20 years, despite advancements in the understanding of, and approach to, periodontal disease.

Referencing the Economist Intelligence Unit’s White Paper on the societal and economic impact of periodontitis (2021), Professor Chapple asked, “What happens if we could eliminate incident gingivitis? The cost of doing that by empowering patients to look after for themselves at home more than halves the amount of money spent delivering that care.”

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Dental Nursing and reading some of our resources. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Up to 2 free articles per month

  • New content available

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here