PROJECT TOPIC AND MATERIAL ON DENTAL NURSING

TOPIC:

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE CAUSES AND PREVENTION OF POOR ORAL HYGIENE AMONG SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT IN OFFA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA KWARA- STATE

CHAPTER ONE                                                                                              

1.0 Introduction                                                                                           

 1.1 Background of the Study                                                                   

1.2 Statement of the Problem

1.5 Research Question

1.3 Aims and Objectives of the Study                                                        

1.4 Significance of the Study                                                                                     

1.6 Scope/Delimitation of the Study                                                      

1.7 Definition of Terms                                                                               

CHAPTER TWO

2.1 LTERATURE REVIEW

2.2 EFFECT OF POOR ORAL HYGIENE

2.3 PREVENTION OF POOR ORAL HYGIENE

2.4 BENEFICIAL FOODS FOR THE TEETH

2.5 HARMFUL FOODS FOR THE TEETH

2.6 ORAL HYGIENE GUIDELINES FOR CHILDREN AND BABIES

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN

3.2 STUDY POPULATION

3.3 SAMPLE SELECTION

3.4 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT

3.5 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS

CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATION, AND CONCLUSION

5.1 SUMMARY

5.2 RECOMMENDATION

5.3 CONCLUSION

5.4 REFERENCES

APPENDIX, QUESTIONNAIRE

1.0    INTRODUCTION

Neglecting to adhere to proper oral hygiene guidelines can lead to further oral health complications that are much easier to prevent than they are to fix. Improper dental hygiene results in increased accumulation of plaque and debris around the mouth, teeth, and gums that can lead to gum disease. Gum disease, or periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth.

When plaque accumulates in your mouth the bacteria makes poisons, or toxins, that irritate the gums and cause the gum tissues to break down. If you don't do a good job of removing plaque from your teeth by brushing and flossing, it can spread below the gums and damage the bone that supports the teeth. With time, the plaque hardens into a substance called tartar that has to be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.

Gum disease is a direct result of poor dental hygiene and is preventable. If not detected early the condition of gum disease can lead to tooth abscess or tooth loss. Your gums will turn red and puffy and may bleed every time you brush. Gum disease can also lead to halitosis (bad breath), gingivitis, tooth decay, or teeth that are loose or appear to have shifted. To prevent the occurrences of gum disease or tooth decay the surfaces and areas between the teeth and under the gum line must be maintained and treated on a regular basis in order to ensure proper dental hygiene. These areas are still in need of professional dental care even if you regularly care for your teeth. Allowing your dentists and dental hygienist to perform professional teeth cleanings means that that they will be able to remove tartar from your teeth, check for other issues associated with oral health and prevent them, and identify other potential problems. Regular visits to your dentists are a good way to prevent oral health problems and should occur at least two times a year.

Oral hygiene, as well as genetics, exercise, nutrition, and personal habits all contribute to maintaining overall well-being and health. The mouth-body connection theory is based on many links to serious diseases due to poor oral hygiene. 

1.2    BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

There is an almost invisible epidemic in the United States of dismal oral health

that has implications for both individuals and society. While tooth decay rates are declining overall in the United States and more people are maintaining their teeth for a lifetime, low-income Americans have decay rates of twice those of the average American (Berry, 2005; Empery & Bradley, 2007). Poor oral health increases the progression of life threatening systemic disease for individuals (Kim et al., 2007). Poor oral health results in increased public and private health care costs due to increased urgent care appointments and increased morbidity. Poor oral health results from several factors, including lack of access to regular preventive dental appointments, lack of access to restorative care when dental diseases are treatable, low general health literacy, and inadequate knowledge of principles of oral health (American Dental Association, 2010).

In twenty-first century America, a healthy smile is considered necessary for social mobility and acceptance, interpersonal relations, employability, and a good self-image. Poor oral health may lead to pain and infection, absence from school or work, poor nutrition, poor general health, an inability to speak or eat properly, and even early death. Studies done in the late 1990s showed that poor oral health may also lead to low birth-weight babies, heart disease, and stroke. It is clear that oral diseases play a significant role in compromising health potential. Up until the late 1990s, when the new HIV medications became available, over 90 percent of persons with AIDS had HIV-related oral diseases.

There are many different types of oral diseases, but they are generally differentiated as being of hard tissue or soft tissue origin. Hard-tissue oral diseases are those of the teeth, supporting bone, and jaw; whereas soft tissue diseases affect the tissues in and around the mouth, including the tongue, lips, cheek, gums, salivary glands, and roof and floor of the mouth. Some oral diseases may result in both hard and soft tissue disorders and conditions such as cleft palate or oral-facial injuries. The major oral diseases and conditions are:

·         Dental caries (tooth decay, cavities)

·         Periodontal disease (gum disease)

·         Malocclusion (crooked teeth)

·         Edentulism (complete tooth loss)

·         Oral cancer

·         Craniofacial birth defects such as cleft lip and cleft palate

·         Soft tissue lesions

·         Oral-facial injuries

·         Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD)

The prevalence of oral diseases varies due to differences in the host, agent, and environment. Some diseases have higher rates in certain population groups due to personal habits such as a sugarheavy diet or poor oral hygiene. Others may occur more frequently in individuals who put themselves at risk for injury by not wearing seatbelts or by playing contact sports without using proper mouth and head protection. Environmental and cultural factors may also affect the rates of oral diseases. For example, persons who live in a community in which the water supply is fluoridated would have much less tooth decay than those who live in a nonfluoridated community. Certain cultures, especially in developing countries, have diets almost completely devoid of refined foods that have high sugar content, and therefore have much less tooth decay compared to the average American. A 1997 report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that Americans consume an average of about 154 pounds of sugars a year (or 53 teaspoons a day) most of it in processed foods, drinks, and sweets. This was a 28 percent increase in added sugar or sweeteners since 1982. Tooth decay may be viewed as a disease of civilization.

A NEGLECTED EPIDEMIC

Oral diseases have been called a "neglected epidemic" because, while they affect almost the total population, oral health is not integrated into most health policies or programs. This is especially true in theUnited States, where, in the year 2000, there were 125 million Americans without dental insurance. In addition, many people who have dental insurance are underinsured. Under such conditions, people who are knowledgeable about oral health and have the resources to pay for it are much more likely to receive regular dental care than are the poorer members of society. This situation has resulted in major disparities in oral health status in the United States. Low-income children between ages two and five have almost five times more untreated dental disease than high-income children, and people without health insurance have four times the unmet dental needs of those with private insurance.

Vulnerable or high-risk population groups like children, the poor, the developmentally disabled, the homeless, homebound and elderly persons, persons with HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), and ethnic and cultural minorities are at greater risk for oral diseases, primarily because they do not have access to preventive services or treatment. In 2000, the first ever Surgeon General's report on oral health stressed the importance of oral health as part of total health as well as the need to reduce oral health disparities in the United States.

Although there has been much progress in the improvement of oral health, both nationally and internationally, oral diseases are still epidemic in the United States and many other countries. The nation's dental bill in the year 2000 was about $60.2 billion, or 4.6 percent of total health expenditures in the United States. In 1970, dental care accounted for 6.4 percent of total health expenditures. This 28 percent decrease is primarily due to the higher costs of hospitals and medical care.

1.3    STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

While writing the project work, the researcher encountered many problems. Among which is the negative attitude of the students in the sense that they feel reluctant to give necessary information to help the written of the project, it also give out for a long time to gather some relevant information due to level of maturity of the students in various schools under study.

Another problem encountered in the process of writing this project is the financial constraint which is also one of the problems that affect the written of the research work. Finally time factor is also part of short coming in build-up of the project.

1.6    RESARCH QUESTIONS

1.    Does poor oral hygiene result to cancer?                                                   

2.    Does secondary school students engage in oral hygiene?

3.    Does poor oral hygiene result to tooth decay?

4.    Does poor oral hygiene lead to a bad odour from the mouth?

5.    Does secondary schools students know much about the importance of oral hygiene to their health?

1.4    AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of the study is to carry out a research on an investigation into the causes and prevention of poor oral hygiene among the selected secondary school students in Offa local government area of Kwara state Nigeria.

1.    To investigate into the major causes of poor oral hygiene among the secondary school students in Offa.

2.    To also carry out a research to investigate the preventive measure of poor oral hygiene

3.    To investigate why some secondary school students failed to carry out a proper oral hygiene in their homes before coming to school

4.    To create awareness among the secondary school students on the importance of oral hygiene.

1.5    SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of this study is to show how poor oral hygiene has affected the teeth and wellbeing of the secondary school students in Offa local government area of Kwara state of Nigeria.

The main significance of this study to;

1.   Attempt to assess the effect of poor oral hygiene on the vocal cavity of the students in some selected secondary school in Offa

2.   Provide information to broader the knowledge and high degree of awareness about various means of preventive measure of poor oral hygiene among the secondary school students in Offa local government area of Kwara State Nigeria

1.7    SCOPE OF THE STUDY

  The research was carried out only in Offa local government area of Kwara State, as geographical coverage, the writer intended to have studied more than that, but because of financial commitments of the writer and the extra time that would be allotted in attempt to assess the causes and prevention of poor oral hygiene among the selected secondary school students in Offa alone hindered a further study.

          The content of the study focuses on the investigation into the causes and prevention of poor oral hygiene among selected secondary school students in Offa local government area of Kwara state.

1.8 OPERATIONAL DEFINATION OF TERMS

1.    HYGIENE

A conditions or practices conductive to maintaining health and preventing disease, especially through cleanliness.

2.    CAVITY

Is an empty space within a solid object, cavities are small holes in your teeth that need to be filled.

3.    CANCER

Is a disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cell in a part of the body.

4.    GINGIVITIES

Inflammation of the gum(gingival)

5.    MANAGEMENT

The process of dealing with or controlling things or people

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

           

2.1 OVERVIEW OF THE STUDY

Poor hygiene can be a sign of self-neglect, which is the inability or unwillingness to attend to one's personal needs. Poor hygiene often accompanies certain mental or emotional disorders, including severe depression and psychotic disorders. Dementia is another common cause of poor hygiene. Other people may develop poor hygiene habits due to social factors such as poverty or inadequacy of social support. Physical disabilities can also interfere with one's ability to care for oneself and may result in an individual being unable to attend to personal hygiene. There is no treatment for poor hygiene, although antipsychotic and antidepressant medications are used when certain mental illnesses are the cause of this behavior.

2.2 EFFECT OF POOR ORAL HYGIENE

1. Tooth decay {carries}: When holes form in parts of the enamel of a tooth, it is known as carries. The main cause of carries is due to build up of plaque. The bacteria in the plaque react with sugars and starches in food to sticky plaque and dissolve the tooth enamel.

2. GUM DISEASE: This means infection or inflammation of the tissues that surround the teeth. It is the second most common reasons for the loss of teeth. Depending on the severity gum disease is generally divided into two types:

i.             Gingivitis ii. Peridiodontitis 

a.    Gingivitis: this is an inflammation of the gums, however, most cases of gingivitis are caused by people

b.   Periodontitis: this occurs if gingivitis become worse and progresses to the tissue that join the teeth to the gum, i.e the periodontal membrane

3. HALITOSIS {BAD BREATH}: Most cases of halitosis originated from the gums and tongue, the odor is caused by wastes from bacteria in the mouth, the decay of food particles and other debris in your mouth and poor oral hygiene. The decay and debris produce a sulfur compound that causes the unpleasant odor.

4. TOOTH EROSION: It is the gradual erosion of tooth enamel by the action of acid on the teeth. Tooth erosion affects the entire surface of the tooth. It cause thinned enamel and eventually expose the softer dentine underneath the enamel.

5. ORAL CANCER: Oral and pharyngeal cancers occur primarily in individuals over fifty five years of age, especially in those who smoke and drink heavily. About 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year and about 8,000 die from this disease. The earlier oral cancer is detected, the better it can be controlled.

     Individuals who use spit tobacco beginning at an early age may have a greater risk for developing oral cancer and gum disease.

 6. DEMENTIA: Poor dental health has also been linked to increased risks for developing dementia, particularly elderly patients. The University of Columbia conducted a study examining patients over the age of 60 and those who had bad oral hygiene scored significantly lower on memory tests, exhibiting a greater risk for dementia. Experts linked the spread of bacteria through cranial nerves through the jaw or blood stream to the brain, contributing to a type of plaque build-up

2.3 PREVENTION OF POOR ORAL HYGIENE

1. Teeth Brushing : Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use a soft – tufted brush and a tooth paste that contains fluoride. The head of the brush should be small enough to get into all the areas of the mouth. Spend at least two minute for brushing, covering all areas {the inside, outside and biting areas of each tooth}. Pay particular attention to where the teeth meet the gum. Get a new brush every 3-4 months. Studies suggest that powered tooth brushes with a rotation – oscillation action where the brush rapidly changes direction of rotation, remove plaque and debris better than manual brushes.

2. Cleaning between Teeth: Clean between your teeth after brushing once a day, but ideally twice a day. This is to remove plaque from between teeth. Dental floss is small inter dental brushes may do a better job than floss. The aim is:

i.     To clean the sides of the teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach

ii.   To clear the spaces between teeth {the inter dental spaces} of debris

Some people who have not cleaned between their teeth before are surprised as to how much extra debris and food particles can be removed by doing this in addition to brushing. If you are not sure on how to clean between your teeth then ask your dentist or dental hygienist.

3. Food and Drinks: Sugars and sugary foods in the mouth are the main foods that germs {bacteria} thrive on to make acids which can contribute to tooth decay. Acid foods and drinks are also a main factor in tooth erosion. So, some tips are;

i.     Limit the amount of acid in contact with your teeth in particular don’t snack on sugary foods.

ii.   Try to reduce the amount of acid in contact with your teeth, limit fizzy drinks including fizzy water and fruit juices as these tend to acidic

iii.  Brush your teeth at least an hour after eating or drinking anything, especially acidic foods and drinks.

4. Tongue Cleaning: Cleaning the tongue removes the white/yellow bab health generating coating of bacteria, decaying food particles fungi {such as candida} and dead cells from the dorsal area of tongue. Tongue cleaning also removes some of the bacteria species which generate tooth decay and gum problems

5. Oral Irrigation: Some dental professionals recommended oral irrigation as a way of cleaning the teeth and gums. Oral irrigation reach 3-4mm under the gum line.

     It used a pressure steam of water to disrupt plaque and bacteria.

OTHER THINGS YOU CAN DO

 The above measures are usually sufficient, however;

i.     Some people also use an antiseptic mouthwash each day to prevent gum disease. In particular, for those who are unable to use a tooth brush, regular rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash will help to clean the teeth.

ii.   If you smoke, you should aim to stop smoking, smoking is a major risk factor for developing gum disease

iii.  If possible use sugar – free medicines for children

iv.  Some people chew: Chewing of sugar free chewing gum after each meal increases the flow of saliva. Saliva helps to flush the mouth to clear debris and acid remaining from the meal.

2.4 BENEFICIAL FOODS FOR THE TEETH

1.  Green tea contains polyphenol antioxidant plant compounds that reduce plaque, cavities, and gum disease. Green tea may also reduce bad breath and strengthen the tooth enamel because of its high fluoride content.

2.  Dairy foods are beneficial because of their low acidity, which reduces wear and tear on teeth. Additionally, dairy foods are high in calcium, the main component of teeth.

3.  Cheese contains calcium and phosphate, which help balance pH in the mouth, preserves (and rebuilds) tooth enamel, produces saliva, and kills bacteria that cause cavities and disease.

4.  Fruits such as apples, strawberries and kiwis contain Vitamin C. This vitamin helps holding the cells together. If this vitamin is neglected, gum cells can break down, making gums tender and susceptible to disease.

5.  Vegetables: Vitamin A, found in pumpkins, carrots, sweet potatoes and broccoli, is necessary for the formation of tooth enamel. Crunchy vegetables may also help clean gums.

6.  Onions contain antibacterial sulfur compounds. Tests show that onions kill various types of bacteria, especially when eaten raw.

7.  Animal food: beef, chicken, turkey, and eggs contain phosphorus which, with calcium, is one of the two most vital minerals of teeth and bone.

8.  Water cleans the mouth and produces saliva that deposits essential minerals into the teeth. It keeps gums hydrated and washes away particles from the teeth.

2.5 Harmful foods for teeth

     1. Sugars are commonly associated with dental cavities. Other carbohydrates, especially cooked starches, e.g. crisps/potato chips, may also damage teeth, although to a lesser degree (and indirectly) since starch has to be converted to sugars by salivary amylase 

        Sucrose (table sugar) is most commonly associated with cavities. The amount of sugar consumed at any one time is less important than how often food and drinks that contain sugar are consumed. The more frequently sugars are consumed, the greater the time during which the tooth is exposed to low pH levels, at which point demineralization occurs (below 5.5 for most people). It is important therefore to try to encourage infrequent consumption of food and drinks containing sugar so that teeth have a chance to be repaired by remineralization and fluoride. Limiting sugar-containing foods and drinks to meal times is one way to reduce the incidence of cavities. Sugars from fruit and fruit juices, e.g. glucose, fructose, and maltose seem equally likely to cause cavities.

2. Chewing gum: Chewing gum assists oral irrigation between and around the teeth, cleaning and removing particles, but for teeth in poor condition it may damage or remove loose fillings as well.

3. Smoking And Chewing Tobacco: These are both strongly linked with multiple dental diseases. Regular vomiting as seen in bulimia nervosa, also causes significant damage.

4. Caffeine: These products are known to cause teeth stain though; this can be cleaned by drinking fresh water after a caffeinated drink and also at the dentist by surface cleaning.

2.6 ORAL HYGIENE GUIDELINES FOR CHILDREN AND BABIES

1. Baby Teeth: An infant’s teeth should be cleaned as soon as they erupt, typically within the first six month of age. Although, you should consult with your dentist regarding how to clean their teeth, you can use a small washed cloth or guaze after every feeding. When multiple teeth erupt, you can soak a child appropriate toothbrush in warm water and use it on your baby’s teeth.

2. Children’s Teeth: Your child’s teeth should be cleaned by the parent or provider until the child is coordinated enough to do it themselves. It is important that your child see a dentist by age one to establish a dental plan and to get professional and periodic cleaning

3. Flossing: Flossing can begin when two teeth have their own daily when they coordinated to do it on their own, usually around the age of six.

4. Mouth Rinse: Children can use a mouth rinse when they are ready to take on the responsibility. Although, this is recommended by age seven.

5. Orthodontic Treatment: Once all the adult teeth have erupted a dentist can recommend if your child should consult with an orthodontaist to receive braces. Generally by age seven braces may be an appropriate solution for proper teeth.

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 RESESARCH METHOLOGY

3.1 RESAERCH DESIGN   

The main purpose of this research work is to carry out a study on an investigation into the causes and prevention of poor oral hygiene among the selected secondary school students in offa local government area of Kwara state Nigeria.

          Data collection in any research is very important aspect for the research to obtain adequate data collection for the purpose and to collect reliable information about the topics the research made on.

3.2 STUDY POPULATION

          The population for this study comprises of some selected secondary schools in part of Offa, were dully observed and interviewed.

3. SAMPLE SELECTION

          The sample used is sample randomly techniques, people were chosen by sample random techniques in some selected secondary school students in offa local government area of Kwara state Nigeria.

          The questionnaires produce is 50 copies, all the copies distributed to the students in the study area. Some were chose for interview by random sampling and those seen for observation.

 3.4 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT

          Different instrument were used in collecting facts on this study, the following were the instruments used.

ü  Questionnaires

ü  Interview

ü  Observation

ü  Oral interview were also conducted.

3.5 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS

          The data collected through various researches cannot do without coming across some difficulties, some of which are highlighted as follows:

1)   Lack of co operation on the part of some students sample for the interview

2)   Lack of  understanding on the part of some of the  students to complete questionnaires 

3)   The distance covered which make the researcher spent more money than initially budgeted for.

CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION

          The researcher of this project has distributed 50 questionnaires to the people with the age range between 18 -35

SECTION A

TABLE 1: Sex of the respondents

SEX	FREQUENCY	PERCENTAGE
MALE	34	68%
FEMALE	16	32%
TOTAL	50	100%

The above table shown that male respondents were 68% while female respondents were 32%, that is shown that majority of respondents were male.

TABLE 2: Age of the respondents

AGE	FREQUENCY	PERCENTAGE
15 -25	20	40%
26 – 35	18	36%
36 – AND ABOVE	12	24%
TOTAL	50	100%

The above table shows that age 15-25years were 40%, age 26-35years respondents were 36 and above respondents were 24%, this shows that majority of the respondents belong to 15-25 years of age.

TABLE 3: OCCUPATION OF THE RESPONDENTS

OCCUPTION	FREQUENCY	PERCENTAGE
STUDENT	50	100%
TRADING	0	0%
CIVIL SERVANT	0	0%
TOTAL	50	100%

The above table shows that all the respondents are students, selected from various secondary schools in Offa local government area of Kwara state.

TABLE 4: RELIGIONS STATUS OF THERESPONDENTS

RELIGION	FREQUENCY	PERCENTAGE
ISLAM	20	40%
CHRISTIANITY	19	38%
TRADITIONAL	11	22%
TOTAL	50	100%

The above table shows that 40% were Muslims, 38% respondents were Christian and 22% respondents were traditional. This show that majority of the respondents were Muslim

TABLE 5: MARITL STATUS OF THE RESPONDENTS

MARITAL STATUS	FREQUENCY	PERCENTAGE
SINGLE	50	100%
MARRIED	0	0%
DIVORCE	0	0%
WIDOW	0	0%
TOTAL	50	100%

 The table above shows that all the students in the selected secondary schools are singles.

 SECTION B: DATA ANALYSIS

TABLE 1: Does poor oral hygiene result to cancer ?

RESPONSE	FREQUENCY	PERCENTAGE
YES	32	64%
NO	18	36%
TOTAL	50	100%

The above table shows that 64% respondents said Yes while 36 respondents said No, this shows that poor oral hygiene can result to cancer.

TABLE 2: Does secondary school students engage in oral hygiene?

RESPONSE	FREQUENCY	PERCENTAGE
YES	25	50%
NO	25	50%
TOTAL	50	100%

  The above table shows that 50% of the respondents reply Yes also the other 50% reply No. This show that majority of the respondents believed that most students did not engage themselves in proper oral hygiene.

TABLE 4: Does poor oral hygiene result to tooth decay?

RESPONSE	FREQUENCY	PERCENTAGE
YES	31		62%
NO	19		38%
TOTAL	50		100%

The above table shows that 62% of the respondents agreed while 38% do not agreed. This shows that poor oral hygiene result to tooth decay. 

TABLE 5: Does poor oral hygiene lead to a bad odour from the mouth?

RESPONSE	FREQUENCY	PERCENTAGE
YES	37	74%
NO	13	26%
TOTAL	50	100%

The table above shows that 74% of the respondents said Yes while 26% said No. This shows that poor oral hygiene can lead to a bad odour from the mouth.

TABLE 6:  Does secondary schools students know much about the importance of oral hygiene to their health?

RESPONSE	FREQUENCY	PERCENTAGE
YES	25	50%
NO	25	50%
TOTAL	50	100%

The above table shows that 50% of the respondents experience dentistry pain while the other 50% do not. This shows that majority of the students are aware of the importance of oral hygiene to their health.

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION

5.1 SUMMARY

Prevention of dental disease may occur at the individual or community level. Prevention of disease at the community or population level is one of the foundations of public health practice. There are three levels of prevention. Primary prevention is aimed at preventing a disease before it occurs, through programs such as community water fluoridation, school dental sealant programs, and health education.

Secondary prevention keeps an existing disease from becoming worse, and includes dental screenings for children and early detection of oral cancer in adults. Tertiary prevention consists of treatment to limit a disability or to help rehabilitate an individual after a disease has progressed beyond the secondary level. Examples of tertiary prevention include complex dental fillings, root canal treatment, and false teeth.

5.2 RECOMMENDATION

The best way to prevent gum disease is with proper oral hygiene. This includes brushing the teeth properly with a fluoride toothpaste after breakfast and before going to bed, utilizing dental floss appropriately, and visiting a dentist or hygienist on a periodic basis for a professional cleaning. A combination of personal and professional prevention is very important, as there are no population-based preventive measures for gum disease. Good health habits, including proper nutrition and avoidance of tobacco products, is also important.