Optimizing the Oral Health of Patients Through Risk Assessment and Prevention.

Dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, and peri-implant diseases are all initiated by dysbiotic dental plaque biofilm. For this reason, a critical component for the prevention and treatment of these common dental diseases is effective delivery of oral hygiene by practitioners and patients. To enhance biofilm disruption and adequately assess risk for oral disease development and progression, dental healthcare practitioners should educate patients and utilize tools that allow for stratification of patients based on their individual risk profiles for oral diseases. This article seeks to highlight emerging trends to enhance disease prevention and promote wellness for dental healthcare providers in clinical practice.