Viviana Filangeri
Humera Rohail
Sokuntheary Prak
March 4, 2025
Preventive dentistry aims to maintain healthy teeth and gums so that further extensive dental care is not required. It focuses on precautionary measures to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other health issues before symptoms escalate to more severe diseases. Some common preventive dental services include regular oral hygiene instruction, fluoride treatment, sealants, cleanings, temporary fillings, and silver diamine fluoride. These techniques have been effective in improving oral health outcomes (Dental Health Foundation). Although preventive dental treatment has been traditionally based on these practices, technological advancements are revolutionizing this healthcare field. New innovations enhance dental care by revolutionizing diagnostic capabilities, treatment precision, and equity. From digital tools that detect early signs of tooth decay, including laser dentistry and digital radiography, to bioactive materials that promote enamel regeneration, modern dentistry may have a more technology-driven approach to prevention in store.
Technologies such as laser dentistry, digital radiography, and teledentistry have become more well-known and widely adopted in dental practices. Laser dentistry utilizes a dental laser to perform various dental procedures, including teeth whitening, cavity fillings and gum disease treatment. The concentrated light beams in dental lasers can alter soft and hard tissue in the mouth by converting light energy into heat, vaporizing the tissue in a photothermal effect. Furthermore, it is useful to treat root canal infections as it tightens tissues in the oral mucosa to improve airflow and reduce snoring (Verma, 3). Digital radiography is the practice of X-ray imaging that uses digital X-ray sensors to capture images of teeth and gums. These digital images are then enhanced on a computer, allowing for better clarity, ultimately making it easier to identify subtle abnormalities and diagnose medical conditions more accurately. This method makes radiological departments filmless and makes image viewing more accessible using various online softwares (Meadowlands Dental). Additionally, digital radiography significantly reduces radiation exposure and increases the efficiency of the diagnostic process. Lastly, teledentistry is the utilization of interactive audio, video, and data communications to provide dental care delivery through online platforms (Colgate). This includes diagnosis, consultation, treatment, transfer of dental information, and education. Patients can receive virtual, remote, or audio care, reducing the need to travel to a dentist's office. According to Talla, 3.5 billion people worldwide are affected by oral diseases, particularly individuals living in rural or remote areas. Access to dental care can be limited due to cost and lack of insurance, and these challenges are even greater for those with limited mobility and language barriers. Teledentistry can make dental care more affordable and accessible, as virtual consultations have lower associated costs compared to in-person visits. For instance, during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, teledentistry provided online health services, self-monitoring, and treatment to individuals of all socioeconomic status despite widespread lockdowns and restrictions (Monaghesh, 9). These various technological advancements have been proven to be more precise than traditional methods, reducing overall discomfort and recovery times, ultimately leading to better long-term oral health outcomes.
Smart toothbrushes are electric toothbrushes that use built-in smart sensors and apps to track brushing habits. For many children under the age of 12, tooth brushing skills are inefficient due to a combination of factors: lack of motivation, poor motor skills, and difficulty in following instructions (Lee). This technology helps encourage proper brushing techniques, making it easier for both kids and adults to maintain optimal oral health. In some communities, especially those without a strong presence of dental professionals, preventative measures like regular tooth brushing may not be emphasized. This can ultimately lead to early-stage tooth problems, with individuals seeking dental care only when visible or painful issues arise that might otherwise be avoided with regular care and toothbrushing. Despite this, smart toothbrushes can cost significantly more than standard toothbrushes, ranging from $50 to over $200. Consequently, this disparity may create an accessibility issue for low-income individuals. Bioactive dental materials, including bioactive toothpaste, have been widely popularized in recent years for their ability to remineralize the outer enamel surface. Composed of hydroxyapatite, a mineral that makes up a large portion of the tooth’s enamel, the toothpaste helps reestablish the tooth’s natural protective layer and replace lost minerals through remineralization and reinforcing its structural integrity. Additionally, bioactive materials like glass and calcium phosphates help neutralize acids in the mouth, preventing cavities and enamel erosion (Spagnuolo, 6). These advanced materials are designed to interact with the biological environment of the mouth, representing a significant leap forward in preventive dentistry. With innovations that address preventive and therapeutic needs, these technologies are reshaping the future of dental care to be more efficient, accessible, and patient-centered.
In the fight against tooth decay and periodontal disease, nanotechnology has emerged as a game-changing invention. Nanotechnology is the science of working with materials at an extremely small scale. Advanced nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles in toothpaste, for example, are introduced by nanodentistry, which improves preventive dental care by modifying matter at the atomic and molecular levels. This has the potential to revolutionize traditional dental treatments by providing innovative approaches to regenerative, therapeutic, and diagnostic procedures. Dental caries, also known as tooth decay, is one of the most common and damaging conditions that impact tooth structure (DiPalma et al., 11). Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, and Lactobacillus bacterial species are among the microorganisms that cause this health issue (DiPalma et al., 11). These bacteria produce acids that demineralize tooth structures. This results in the loss of phosphate and calcium from the tooth (DiPalma et al., 11). Therefore, preventing bacterial action, reversing the demineralization process, and encouraging remineralization can all help control tooth caries. Some preventive treatments using nanotechnology include antibacterial nanotherapy, biomimetic remineralization, bone loss from periodontal disease prevention, and the caries vaccine. Antibacterial nanotherapy uses dental fillings and adhesives that contain tiny particles like polyethylenimine, silver, and zinc oxide to help stop bacteria from growing. They function by rupturing the outer membrane of the bacteria, preventing them from absorbing and using sugar as fuel and generating toxic compounds that destroy the bacteria. Using microscopic particles that replicate the natural processes involved in tooth formation, biomimetic remineralization is a technique for treating early tooth decay. Biomimetic remineralization uses small particles that mimic natural tooth repair. Calcium carbonate nanoparticles adhere to teeth and release calcium gradually, restoring enamel and raising pH levels to reduce the risk of cavities. For example, toothpaste with these nanoparticles has been shown to repair early enamel damage. Using nanotechnology to prevent bone loss in the mouth, scientists have studied the function of a unique gel containing microscopic doxycycline particles to help stop bone loss in gum disease. Additionally, researchers are investigating using small nanorobots in toothpaste or mouthwash that swiftly move across gums and teeth to remove buildup and prevent tartar. These nanorobots are harmless and deactivate if ingested. Scientists are developing a vaccination that may prevent cavities by stopping bacteria from adhering to teeth. This would be known as a caries vaccine. Researchers are employing nanotechnology to make unique carriers that help transport the vaccination more effectively and increase its effectiveness. Human testing for anticavity vaccines has not yet taken place. Issues like vaccine breakdown and the intricate oral environment still need to be resolved (Abou Neel et al., 10). Although these advancements in nanodentistry hold great potential for improving oral health, accessibility to all remains a significant concern. Many newer types of treatments, such as nanodentistry, are still in the experimental stage; thus, they are costly due to their complexity (Matsuo et al., 1,2). These high costs put toward research for these emerging treatments create disparities in access to them. Individuals with a higher socioeconomic status may benefit first, while those in lower-income areas face barriers to obtaining these revolutionary treatments. Addressing these disparities requires changes such as increased funding for public health initiatives and continued research to lower costs and expand accessibility (Matsuo et al., 4)
Integrating 3D technology in preventive dentistry has greatly enhanced the early detection and diagnosis of oral health issues. Techniques like Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) provide detailed 3D views of teeth, gums, and jaw bones, allowing for a thorough assessment of a patient’s oral health (Plum Dental). CBCT imaging offers detail and accuracy compared to standard 2D X-rays. It captures multiple images at a time and from different angles, giving the dentist the ability to create a complete model of your teeth anatomy and, therefore, the ability to detect even the smallest issues that might go unnoticed on a standard X-ray, like hidden tooth decay or early signs of gum disease (Plum Dental). With better diagnostic abilities, 3D images allow dentists to make more informed and accurate decisions about dental care. When visualizing the relationship between the teeth, bones, nerves, and other essential structures, your dentist can accurately diagnose and create a personalized treatment plan for each patient (Plum Dental).
In addition to diagnostics, 3D technology has improved the planning and execution of preventative treatments. Intraoral scanners (IOSs), for instance, feature continuous image capture and advanced software for seamless image stitching, enhancing scanning efficiency (Eggman and Blatz). Moreover, 3D printing technology uses computer software to create digital images, allowing a design to be printed. For example, in orthodontics, a patient would bite down on soft clay to make an imprint, and once the mould is formed, it serves as a guide to build an appliance for braces or Invisalign. The 3D scans of the teeth could then be saved and printed in the office, with no need for a lab (Thomas Dental). The speed and accuracy of 3D technology save time and money for dentists and their patients (Thomas Dental).
Beyond diagnostics and treatment planning, 3D technology is important in patient education within preventative dentistry. It can help you better understand your oral health; the detailed images can educate you about your teeth, gums and jawbones while explaining potential issues or treatment options (Plum Dental). This strategy enables dentists to make well-informed decisions and nurtures a stronger sense of trust and communication with the patients (Plum Dental).
Over the past 100 years, many innovations in dental health have occurred. A study conducted by JDR Clinical & Translational Research explored the opinions of 30 general and specialist dental professionals on these innovations and their efficiency in maximally affecting patient care. This study determined which innovations have influenced clinical practice the most.
Some of the most credited innovations were adhesive dental materials (biomaterials), dental implants, universal precautions for infection control, and digital imaging. These innovations can go both ways, directing in the preventive or treatment route (Heft et al., 3). Beyond enhancing clinical results, these developments reduce dental care inequities because they make dental care more accessible, affordable, and efficient. For example, digital radiography minimizes radiation exposure and processing times, which helps patients who may not have easy access to routine dental treatment. For those who have limited access to dental care, digital impressions are helpful because they improve patient comfort and reduce the need for repeated visits. 3D printing allows for the fast creation of dental prosthetics, which reduces costs and makes restorative treatments more accessible to underserved populations. Furthermore, incorporating cutting-edge technologies into dentistry education guarantees that aspiring dental professionals are well-equipped to deliver high-quality care, thus advancing equity in oral health services (Gracco et al., 1).
Overall, preventive dentistry is undergoing technological transformations driven by continuous advancements in technology and research. Laser dentistry, digital radiography, and teledentistry revolutionize preventive care delivery by enabling early detection and intervention of issues. Also, combining bioactive materials and smart toothbrushes encourages good cleaning habits and enamel regeneration. Furthermore, more scientifically advanced methods for bacterial management, remineralization, diagnostic accuracy, and even possible cavity prevention via vaccinations are introduced by applying nanotechnology and 3D imaging/printing technology in dentistry. These innovations enhance clinical results and are key to reducing dental care disparities by making it more accessible, affordable, and efficient. The future of preventive dentistry looks promising as the dental industry continues to adopt these technological innovations. Preventive dentistry remains at the forefront of modern oral healthcare. This will require sustained research and investment in effective cutting-edge technologies.
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