Beyond The Brush: Educate to Eradicate Dental Caries

In the world of dental health, prevention has long been regarded as the foundation of a healthy smile

Among the array of preventive measures, from regular dental check-ups to fluoride treatments and dental sealants lies a powerful yet often underestimated tool: patient education.

Presenting people the information and skills they need to take care of their teeth not only makes
it easier for them to practice proper oral hygiene, but it also has a major impact on preventing
dental caries often known as cavities or tooth decay, from forming and progressing.

Understanding the dental caries:

According to the definition of the World Health Organization (WHO), dental caries is a local
pathological process of the extrasomatic background, leading to enamel decalcification,
decomposition of dental hard tissue and in consequence to formation of a dental cavity¹.

In simpler words, the harmful bacteria is always present in the mouth but when it comes in contact
with the free sugars present in the foods and drinks, they form acidic waste as a by-product.
Those acids damage the teeth’s outer layer and cause holes or cavities. This if left untreated,
can cause pain, infection and even tooth loss.

Dental caries is one of the most common preventable non-communicable diseases in the world,
affecting an estimated 2.5 billion people and rising at a rate of 14.6% over the past ten years,
according to the Global Burden of Disease Study². Thus, preventing dental caries is not just
about treating them after they form but also involves understanding how they develop and
taking steps to stop them before they start.

Factors amplifying dental caries risk:

The factors which enhance the risk of dental caries are^3,4:

• Improper tooth brushing and ineffective flossing techniques
• Eating excessive sugary foods
• Lack of regular dental check-ups
• Dry mouth patients
• Imbalanced diet and nutrition
• Prolonged consumption of medication
• Behavioural habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption

The reason behind these factors such as imbalanced diet or poor oral hygiene could be stress
and depression, minimal interest in self-care, limited social interaction, lack of support from
family and friends and low socio-economic status. Thus, the treatment plan for caries might be
the same but the patients may need further support depending on their individual
circumstances⁵.

Importance of patient education:

Patient education and communication allow us to facilitate significant change in the patient’s
lives. The benefits of patient education are:

• Improved oral health literacy
• Enhanced quality of life of patients
• Increased patient trust⁶.

So, taking time to thoroughly educate the patients about preventive hygiene and ways to
improve their oral health signifies care to a patient. A patient may be more inclined to pay
attention and trust the advise if they feel that we are looking out for their best interests².

Some of the basic information a dentist can provide to the patients include:

Oral hygiene routine:

Establishing a consistent oral hygiene routine is vital for maintaining healthy smile. Brushing
your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and using dental floss to clean between
your teeth and along the gum line atleast once a day preferable before bedtime⁴.

Reduced sugar intake:
Consuming a balanced diet helps support strong teeth and gums and limiting sugary snacks and
beverages reduces the risk of tooth decay.

Regular dental check-ups:
Routine dental check-ups are most important in preventing dental caries because the dentist
can detect early signs before it develops into a significant dental issue. These include scaling
(teeth cleaning) which reduces the risk of tooth decay⁷.

Incorporating lifestyle changes:
Quitting smoking or using any kind of tobacco products can significantly improve oral health
and also reducing excessive alcohol intake helps keep mouth hydration levels appropriate,
preventing symptoms like dry mouth.

Strategies for effective patient education:

For effective patient awareness, dentists can provide education using various strategies:

• Visual aids and demonstrations:
  Using charts, models and demonstrations to highlight proper brushing and flossing
  procedures thereby explaining the process of tooth decay.
• Digital resources:
  Providing patients with online resources and videos they can access at home to promote oral
  health education.
• Customised treatment plans:
  By assessing and identifying the areas of concern and creating personalised treatment plans
  based on individual needs and risk factors⁸.
• Social media engagement:
  Posting educational content on social media platforms encourages people to practice proper
  oral hygiene.
• Promoting awareness beyond the clinic:
  Hosting workshops or seminars on maintaining oral health can provide awareness to people.
  Community education can be provided by conducting camps in schools, workplaces and
  community centres⁹.

Conclusion:

Patient education is a key component in prevention of dental caries. Beyond just doing the
routine of brushing and flossing, patient education gives people the knowledge to protect their
smiles by developing healthy habits. By understanding the specifics of oral hygiene practices,
patients become active participants in this oral health journey.
Looking ahead, the impact of patient education on dental caries continues to evolve with
advancements in technology, customised treatment plans and community based programs.

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References:

1. Wójcicka A, Zalewska M, Czerech E, Jabłoński R, Grabowska SZ, Maciorkowska E.
   Próchnica wieku rozwojowego choroba cywlizacyjna [Dental caries of the
   developmental age as a civilization disease]. Przegl Epidemiol. 2012;66(4):705-711.
   Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23484402/
2. Sugars and Dental Caries | World Health Organisation | Available from:
   https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sugars-and-dental-caries
3. Mohammadi TM, Sabouri A, Sabouri S, Najafipour H. Anxiety, depression, and oral
   health: A population-based study in Southeast of Iran. Dent Res J (Isfahan).
   2019;16(3):139-144. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31040868/
4. Evaluating caries risk: The Journal of Professional Excellence | Dimensions of Oral
   Hygiene | Available from: https://dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/article/evaluatingcaries-risk/
5. Fontanini H, Marshman Z, Vettore M. Social support and social network as
   intermediary social determinants of dental caries in adolescents. Community Dent Oral
   Epidemiol. 2015;43(2):172-182. Availabale from
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25413492/
6. The Importance of Patient Dental Education : ProDent USA | Available from:
   https://prodentusa.com/importance-of-dental-patient-education/
7. Public Health England (2017) Delivering better oral health:an evidence based tool for
   prevention Availabale from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/deliveringbetter-oral-health-an-evidence-based-toolkit-for-prevention
8. Enhancing oral health through dental patient education by Scott | Jun 2023 | Dental
   Practice Management. Available from: https://zapdentalbilling.com/dental-patienteducation/
9. Farrokhi F, Ghorbani Z, Farrokhi F, Namdari M, Salavatian S. Social media as a tool
   for oral health promotion: A systematic review. PLoS One. 2023;18(12):e0296102.
   Published 2023 Dec 19. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0296102. Available from:
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10729958/

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Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professionals with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.