Periodontal disease and its impact on general health in Latin America: LAOHA Consensus Meeting Report

Abstract: Periodontal diseases are considered a worldwide public health problem, owing to their high prevalence in developed and developing countries. Periodontitis may lead to tooth loss, which can impact oral health-related quality of life. Gingivitis and periodontitis have been extensively studied regarding their etiopathogenesis, epidemiology, prevention and treatment outcomes. However, most of these aspects are studied and discussed globally, which may hamper a clear interpretation of the findings and the design of effective plans of action for specific regions or populations. For example, in Latin America, epidemiological data about the distribution of periodontal diseases is still scarce, mainly when it comes to nationwide representative samples. This Consensus aimed to address the following topics related to periodontal diseases in Latin America: a) The impact of the global burden of periodontal diseases on health: a global reality; b) Periodontal diseases in Latin America; c) Strategies for the prevention of periodontal diseases in Latin America; d) Problems associated with diagnosis of periodontal conditions and possible solutions for Latin America; e) Treatment of Periodontitis. This consensus will help to increase awareness about diagnosis, prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases, in the context of Latin American countries.摘要：牙周病（Periodontal diseases）被视为全球性公共卫生问题，因其在发达国家与发展中国家中均具有高患病率。牙周炎（Periodontitis）可导致牙齿缺失，进而影响与口腔健康相关的生活质量。牙龈炎（Gingivitis）与牙周炎已在其病因发病机制、流行病学、预防及治疗效果方面得到了广泛研究。然而，此类研究大多在全球范围内开展与讨论，这可能会阻碍对研究结果的清晰解读，以及为特定区域或人群制定有效行动方案。例如在拉丁美洲，有关牙周病分布的流行病学数据仍然匮乏，尤其是在全国代表性样本方面。本共识旨在探讨与拉丁美洲牙周病相关的以下主题：a) 全球牙周病负担对健康的影响：全球现状；b) 拉丁美洲的牙周病状况；c) 拉丁美洲牙周病预防策略；d) 牙周疾病诊断相关的挑战及拉丁美洲的可行解决方案；e) 牙周炎的治疗。本共识将有助于提升拉丁美洲各国对牙周病诊断、预防与治疗的认知水平。