An overview of oral health promotion and its effectiveness in prevention of oral diseases Mehta Abhishek, Associate Professor, Sehgal Pankaj, Associate Professor, Singla Y.K., Principal & HOD Prosthodontics Address for Correspondence: Dr. Abhishek Mehta, Associate Professor, Faculty of Dentistry, Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi-110025. E-mail: amehta13@rediffmail.com
Online published on 15 May, 2014. Abstract Oral diseases are the fourth most expensive diseases to treat. In high-income countries, the burden of oral disease has been tackled through the establishment of advanced oral-health services which offer primarily treatment to patients. In most low- and middle-income countries, investment in oral health care is low and resources are primarily allocated to emergency oral care and pain relief. Most oral diseases are preventable and share common risk factors with other chronic diseases. As is the case for major chronic diseases, oral diseases are linked to unhealthy environments and behaviours, particularly widespread use of tobacco and excessive consumption of alcohol or sugar. Promotion of oral health is a cost-effective strategy to reduce the burden of oral disease and maintain oral health and quality of life. It is also an integral part of health promotion in general, as oral health is a determinant of general health. In addition to healthy behaviour, promotion of oral health depends on clean water, adequate sanitation, proper oral hygiene and appropriate exposure to fluoride. National health programmes that include health promotion and measures at individual, professional and community levels are cost-effective in preventing oral diseases. This literature review presents basic concepts and key areas of action of oral health promotion as outlined by Ottawa charter of health promotion and also discusses various studies and systematic reviews conducted to assess effectiveness of oral health promotion activities. Top Keywords Health promotion, Oral diseases, Oral health promotion, Ottawa charter. Top |