It is widely accepted that common diseases of the oral cavity, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, are preventable. Based on a large body of scientific evidence, a number of preventive strategies are known to prevent these diseases, but only if routinely implemented. Unfortunately, while most preventive strategies are theoretically simple to understand, they are often difficult to employ in practice at individual and public health levels. This volume of Periodontology 2000 provides the most current information on the state of the science and the evidence base supporting a preventive perspective for the management of periodontal disease, including evidence for proven interventions as well as cutting-edge ideas for potential future interventions. In addition to well-established and scientifically proven approaches (tooth and implant cleansing, topical chemotherapeutics, reduction in risk factors such as tobacco smoking), a number of new ideas are now under investigation, including antioxidant agents, probiotics, vaccines, and slow-release alternative chemotherapeutics. Furthermore, there are new ideas to alter patient behaviors with the aim to improve adherence to preventive strategies. Finally, examples from implementation science and public health are provided that suggest novel approaches to bring new ideas into clinical practice.
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