Daily biofilm control and oral health: consensus on the epidemiological challenge - Latin American Advisory Panel

Our understanding of dental plaque biofilm has evolved since the nonspecific plaque hypothesis that considered plaque as a nonspecific mass of native microorganisms that, because of lack of oral hygiene, builds up in proportions great enough to overcome the host resistance threshold and affect the tooth structure and tooth supporting tissues. A great diversity of microorganisms-over 700 species-was detected in the oral cavity, and evidence shows that the investigation of specific microorganisms or associations of microorganisms as etiological agents for periodontal diseases and caries is not a simplistic approach. Although clinical evidence shows that oral mechanical hygiene is fundamental to prevent and control caries and periodontal disease, it is important to highlight that optimal control is not achieved by most individuals. Thus the complementary use of chemotherapeutic agents has been investigated as a way to overcome the deficiencies of mechanical oral hygiene habits, insofar as they reduce both plaque formation and gingival inflammation, and represent a valid strategy to change the biofilm and maintain dental and periodontal health. The role of the dental professional is to monitor patients and offer them the best recommendations to preserve oral health throughout their life. With this in mind, chemical control should be indicated as part of daily oral hygiene, together with mechanical procedures, for all individuals who present supragingival and/or subgingival biofilm, taking into account age, physical and/or psychological limitations, allergies, and other factors.

Agresion gingival con los procedimientos restauradores

Desde los años 50 se plantea la estrecha vinculación entre la Periodoncia y la Odontología Restauradora, cada vez mas las investigaciones demuestran la estrecha relación que existe entre ambas especialidades y la importancia que el Odontólogo Restaurador debe dar a cada una de ellas. Por esta razón se describen los aspectos más relevantes a tomar en cuenta en los procedimientos restauradores para evitar la agresión a los tejidos periodontales y garantizar el pronóstico a largo plazo.

Since 1950 there is a conexion between Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry. In this article we describe all relevants aspects in restorative procedures to avoid aggressions to the periodontal tissue and also to increase the prognosis in long terms.