Journal vol.8 no.1 abstract1 of The Japan Health Care Dental Association

The Journal of The Japan Health Care Dental Association Vol.8 No.1, 2006
abstract

Nobuhiro Hanada, DDS, PhD
National Instituts of Public Health, Director Department of Oral Helth

Up until now, both caries and periodontal disease have been thought of as irreversible and incurable diseases. However, delayed diagnosis of advanced stages of the diseases and belated intervention are major reasons as to why the diseases have become irreversible. To diagnose and treat diseases at the reversible stage and to return the patient to their former condition is generally known as "secondary preventive care". Recently, preventive care has been used to intervene at the curable stage of caries and periodontal diseases, accumulating good results. In order to make secondary preventive care available to the insurance system, an objective standard value must be established. Dental disease is an infectious, life style related disease. It is classified as a chronic infection. Therefore, I suggest that Dentistry should consider separately, "medical care of disease" and "medical care for positive health and a medical care for QOL (Quality Of Life)". The health of the tooth is of special importance because there is a common risk factor associated with both positive health and disease prevention. This article argues that expanding secondary preventive care will contribute to the well being of the whole body as well as the enhancement of peoples' QOL.