CATEGORY 84 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST CLINICAL As research increasingly confirms that good oral hygiene not only protects dental health but also helps prevent systemic diseases, dental professionals are at a crossroads. Patients need guidance toward a more comprehensive approach to oral care– one that includes interdental cleaning as an essential part of their daily routine. Oral Health at a Turning Point The landscape of oral health is shifting toward prevention. This shift is necessary due to aging populations retaining more natural teeth and growing scientific evidence highlighting the role of the oral microbiome in systemic diseases. The financial burden of managing oral and related systemic health conditions is prohibitive, whereas prioritising preventive care can significantly reduce costs while enhancing overall health outcomes. The WHO’s Global Oral Health Action Plan (2023–2030) emphasises the importance of integrating oral health with systemic healthcare at a policy level. It identifies oral disease as a major public health burden due to shared risk factors with non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimers. Dentistry is also moving toward a more multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach. The FDI’s Vision 2030 report calls for greater collaboration between dental and healthcare professionals to deliver more personalised care. With a focus on prevention and support from digital tools like mobile health (m-health) and artificial intelligence (AI), the future of oral health will be integrated and technology-driven. Despite these advances, a new oral health protocol has yet to be fully implemented in everyday dental practice – one that takes patients’ daily oral health behaviors into account. The Importance of Interdental Cleaning The mouth is a critical entry point to the body, and the role of interdental spaces in oral and systemic health is becoming clearer. According to one study, even the interdental biofilm of young, clinically healthy adults can house up to 16 billion bacteria, which can enter the bloodstream and increase the risk of systemic issues if left undisturbed. Despite this knowledge, many patients still rely on flossing as their primary method for cleaning interdental spaces. Yet, research indicates that interdental brushes are more effective due to their ability to fit snugly between teeth, removing more biofilm and reducing the risk of oral and systemic diseases. As such, daily interdental brushing should become an integral part of every patient’s oral care routine. Curaprox’s Approach to Comprehensive Oral Care As a pioneer in preventive oral care, Curaprox aims to raise awareness about the importance of interdental cleaning in achieving overall health. The CS 5460 ultra-soft toothbrush significantly contributes to oral cleanliness by targeting the inner, outer, and upper surfaces of teeth with its 5,460 Curen filaments, achieving up to 70% of oral cleanliness. These gentle filaments are atraumatic, providing a gentle cleaning experience that is kind to both gums and enamel. The remaining 30% is accomplished by CPS prime interdental brushes, which effectively clean between teeth to ensure complete care. By combining regular toothbrushing with interdental cleaning, patients can achieve 100% clean teeth. This routine not only ensures optimal oral health but also represents a significant step forward in preventing systemic health issues. The Role of Dental Professionals Today, the role of dental professionals extends beyond treating oral diseases; it includes coaching patients on comprehensive oral hygiene practices. Techniques like motivational interviewing – an approach that encourages patients to change their behavior through guided conversations – along with personalised oral health plans are now vital tools in empowering patients to adopt healthier habits. With Curaprox’s ultra-soft toothbrushes and interdental brushes, dental professionals have an effective resource to facilitate patient education. By teaching patients how to brush 100%, they help steer them away from outdated routines and toward complete oral hygiene. This shift in education enables patients to better understand the long-term impact of proper interdental cleaning on both oral and systemic health. u The Field of Oral Health is Evolving and your Patients’ Brushing Routines should follow “Just as brushing became essential in the 1950s, dental professionals need to inform their patients that brushing interdentally is just as important.” – Professor Denis Bourgeois (France) “Without proper hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that may lead to a myriad of health issues.” – Preventive expert Dr. Jack Dillenberg (United States) “A true professional should focus on maintaining oral health rather than treating diseases.” – Periodontist and lecturer Dr. Sarah Ocaña Chacón (Mexico) Dr Tihana Divnic-Resnik
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