Oral diseases are a significant burden on overall health, with the greatest burden falling on disadvantaged and poor populations. The principal problems are: dental caries, periodontal diseases and oral cancer. Relatively simple, inexpensive measures can largely prevent these conditions and thus reduce the high burden of oral disease. In addition, chronic oral conditions have been associated with systemic diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other conditions. Therefore, preventive approaches such as healthy nutrition, cessation of tobacco use and limiting the consumption of alcohol apply to oral and systemic disease prevention. In addition, the prevention of the most common oral disease, dental caries, requires the appropriate use of fluoride. Barriers to prevention include: poverty, low prioritisation of oral health and a lack of political support, which result in lower perceived need and inadequate resources. Preventive principles to be supported include: Education toward the understanding that oral health is integral to general health. Co-operation between members of health professions, governments, inter-

governmental, non-governmental organizations, and the media to promote the widespread understanding that most oral disease and its consequences can be prevented with simple interventions.

National health policies and programs that include oral health promotion and

preventive measures at population, community, individual, and professional levels. Organised collaboration between stakeholders at all levels and the adoption of

replicable, reliable and affordable approaches to the integrated prevention of oral disease as part of prevention of other chronic, non-communicable diseases.

FDI POLICY STATEMENT

Preventing oral diseases

Original version adopted by the General Assembly in October 1998, Barcelona, Spain

Revised version adopted by the General Assembly: 26th September 2008, Stockholm, Sweden