Importance of Oral Health Prevention

Abstract

Oral health is a fundamental component of overall well-being, and prevention plays a key role in maintaining it. Despite the implementation of educational and preventive interventions, the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease remains significant within the population, highlighting the need for effective health promotion strategies. This study aimed to quantify dental and periodontal treatment needs according to age groups and sociodemographic characteristics, as well as to estimate the average economic savings associated with the effective prevention of these conditions. An observational, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted using a database of clinical records from 205 patients aged 18 years and older, collected between 2023 and 2024. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling approach was employed, and sociodemographic and clinical variables were analyzed. Unit costs of dental treatments were estimated to calculate the potential savings attributable to disease prevention. The estimated cost of dental care reached C$21,126.25 per person, suggesting that effective prevention could allow resources to be redirected toward other healthcare needs, particularly among older age groups, where treatment requirements tend to accumulate over time. In conclusion, the timely implementation of preventive strategies among the Nicaraguan population not only improves oral health outcomes but also represents substantial economic savings, underscoring the importance of health education and the promotion of oral self-care from an early age.