Strategies for the prevention of periodontal disease and its impact on general health: Latin America and the Caribbean Consensus 2024

Periodontal diseases are closely related to non-communicable diseases, and their prevention depends on their link with healthy lifestyle programs. The purpose of this consensus was to summarize and propose preventive strategies at the community, individual, and research levels in Latin America and the Caribbean. A critical review and search strategy was carried out in Pubmed, LILACS, and SCIELO on three topics: a) Social determinants, risk factors, and behavioral changes related to PD throughout the lives of individuals; b) Impact of mechanical and chemical control of plaque for the prevention of gingivitis; c) Impact on prevention of systemic diseases. Relative to public health policies, no consensus was reported in the region. In some countries, periodontal educational strategies, mainly for pregnant women and for other chronic diseases have been implemented, but their impact on primary and secondary prevention has hardly been evaluated. In recent years, a positive aspect has been the implementation of some public policies, including clinical practice guidelines and care pathways. Based on the latest consensus, multicenter educational research and technological strategies were found in the region, but their effectiveness needs to be evaluated in clinical studies. A barrier to the implementation of preventive strategies has to do with the human factor. Therefore, the training of periodontists to be experts in communication strategies, technologies that allow the empowerment of patients for taking care of their periodontal health are required. Moreover, it is necessary to train professionals from other areas of health, who are more aware of the importance of oral health as a healthy lifestyle.