Changes in patient habits towards better oral health and providing healthcare practitioners with the tools required to guide patients towards daily oral hygiene practices were highlighted at a recent dental health workshop in Dubai.

The recommendations were part of the outcome of the second meeting of the Middle East Oral Hygiene Advisory Board, the region’s first working group to unite dental experts from across the GCC and Levant countries.

Studies have shown an increasing prevalence in dental caries and periodontal disease as a result of limited understanding on the importance of oral hygiene and the lack of awareness of effective preventive care programs and daily oral hygiene practices.

“Currently, the key challenge lies in the fact that patients’ visits to clinics are mainly restricted to treatment of ailments, as opposed to visits for preventative measures,” said Dr Steven Morgano, chief academic officer of Boston University Institute for Dental Research and Education (BUIDRE) and chairman of the board.

“Dental associations in the Middle East need to do more to help raise awareness about home-based preventive practices among the community.”

“Dentists are encouraged to dedicate time during their patients’ visits to highlight the importance of preventive oral health practices and discuss practical approaches to good oral hygiene,” he added.

A series of discussions was also held on best practices and policies in the field to tackle these challenges, supported by the presence of an international expert, Professor Antonio Carrassi, dean of the dental school of the University of Milan and chairman of the unit of oral medicine, oral pathology and geriatric dentistry at the Hospital San Paolo of Milan.

Professor Carrassi presented a special session on Italy’s response to tooth decay and periodontal disease through the development and implementation of mouthwash guidelines for promoting oral health.

He highlighted the evidence-based methodology used and the need to develop a set of oral hygiene guidelines to assist practitioners’ and patients’ decisions concerning appropriate healthcare for specific clinical circumstances.

“Good guidelines have many attributes including, validity, reliability, reproducibility, and clinical applicability as well as flexibility and clarity,” Prof Carrassi said.

“These guidelines should be developed through a multidisciplinary process, with systematic reviews of the literature and documentation. It is important to remember that oral health means more than good teeth. It is integral to overall general health and essential for the well-being of individuals,” he added.

Members of the Middle East Oral Hygiene Advisory Board also emphasized the need for change in patients’ behaviors towards oral hygiene.

While education and motivation were underlined as important for encouraging the application of a daily oral hygiene regimen of brushing, flossing and rinsing with an effective antiseptic mouthwash, responsibility was also placed on hygienists and oral health educators for their role in raising awareness of the importance of a daily oral hygiene regimen and best practices towards achieving it. – TradeArabia News Service