PREVENTION OF PERIODONTAL DISEASES IN ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Periodontal diseases represent a significant public health challenge globally, with adolescents being a particularly vulnerable demographic due to a complex interplay of hormonal fluctuations, behavioral changes, and dietary habits. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive, school-based oral health intervention program focused on the prevention of periodontal diseases among adolescents. The research methodology involved a longitudinal approach over a six-month period, encompassing clinical assessments of plaque and gingival inflammation alongside targeted educational interventions. The literature review integrates contemporary findings on the etiology of adolescent gingivitis, highlighting the transient shift in the subgingival microbiome during puberty and the psychosocial barriers to maintaining optimal oral hygiene. The results of the intervention demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in both plaque accumulation and gingival bleeding indices among the participants who received continuous motivation and professional instruction. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of shifting the paradigm from passive treatment to proactive, behavior-oriented prevention strategies. Ultimately, the integration of routine periodontal screening and tailored educational programs into school health systems is strongly advocated to mitigate the long-term consequences of early-onset periodontal degradation.