PREVENTIVE ORAL CARE PROGRAMS: A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH TO REDUCE DISEASE BURDEN

Abstract

Abstract: Oral diseases remain one of the most prevalent non-communicable health conditions worldwide, affecting individuals across all age groups. Despite being largely preventable, dental caries, periodontal diseases, and oral infections continue to impose a significant economic and health burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This paper examines preventive oral care programs as a public health strategy to reduce oral disease burden. It highlights key preventive approaches such as community water fluoridation, school dental health programs, oral hygiene education, dietary control, and regular screening initiatives. The study also evaluates the effectiveness of these interventions and proposes an integrated public health model for sustainable oral health improvement. Keywords: Preventive dentistry, oral health, public health, dental caries, health promotion, fluoride, community dentistry.