The Current Aspects of Oral Health Promotion: A Narrative Overview

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Various models have been described in the literature on how health can be promoted. Most relate to health in general, but the basic principles apply to the same degree to oral health. Oral diseases are largely preventable; but today, there is a limited implementation of the ideas of health promotion in dentistry, due to a philosophy of dentistry focused on a curative and individualized approach to oral diseases. AIM: The present study aims to outline the current aspects of oral health promotion in dental practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted, mainly using PubMed and Embase from 1986 through October 2021, results reviewed, prioritized, and findings compiled. The following search terms were used: “Oral health;” “oral health or oral condition;” “oral health related quality of life;” “health promotion;” and “dental practice.” Thirty-one studies were evaluated for the review. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Oral health promotion is based on the need to change the cognition, motivation, and behavior of the individual aimed at the improvement of oral health and prevention of diseases. This is a challenging goal to achieve. It has been established that the acquisition of knowledge does not necessarily lead to a change in behavior. The current concept of oral health promotion recognizes the importance of the surrounding physical and social environment, lifestyle, individual behavior, and accessibility of health services. The so-called “Approach to the common risk factor” was introduced and established itself. It is based on the fact that many diseases have common predisposing risk factors. The approach to the general risk factor justifies dental professionals for the development of multidisciplinary partnerships. This makes it possible to prevent various illnesses more efficiently and cost-effectively than by just focusing on one specific disease. CONCLUSIONS: The concept of health promotion needs to be popularized and established as an effective practice for improving public health, both among the general public and among the medical community. The imposition of a promotional approach in dental practice requires interdisciplinary cooperation with other health professionals and the limitation of the curative one.