Clinical implications of educational shortcomings in oral health

Abstract

Purpose. To present the clinical implications evolution of educational shortcomings in young adults who are longterm consumers of acidified beverages. cases description. The cases of three long term acidified bevarages cosumer pacients were reported. The patients were asked about general condition, eating habits and oral hygiene used methods, were examined and illustrative photos were taken. Case 1 is of a 18 year old male (5 years consumer) presenting typical erosions for acidified beverage consumers on the vestibular surface of the teeths. Case 2 is of a 24 year old male (10 years consumer) presentig a particular pattern of cavity grafted on pre-existing erosion zones. Case 3 is of a 25 year old female (15 years consumer) presentig severe damage to the whole dento-maxilar apparatus. results. The common elements of the three cases point towards the lack of instruction in maintaining an optimal oral health level, the prolonged daily consumption of carbonated beverages in appreciable amounts and poor oral hygiene. Prolonged consumption of carbonated beverages and poor oral hygiene cause irreversible dental damage from localized erosions of several teeth to caries grafting on eroded surfaces and finally to the massive coronary destruction involving damage to the whole dento-maxilar apparatus. Discussion. Introducing a national educational program would lead to patients becoming aware of the need for a proactive, sanogenic attitude as well as to an improvement in the level of oral health with important benefits for the pacient as well as for the healthcare system.