Oral Health in Adults: Preventive Interventions

For each of the evidence gaps listed below, research must focus on screening and preventive interventions that can be performed in nondental primary care settings and be inclusive of populations with a high prevalence of oral health conditions, including Asian, Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American/Alaska Native, and Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander persons and persons with social determinants that contribute to disparities in oral health.

1. Research is needed to assess the effectiveness and harms of preventive interventions in the primary care setting.
   1. Research is needed to assess the effectiveness and harms of fluoride gel, fluoride varnish, sealants, silver diamine fluoride, and xylitol in the home or primary care setting on oral health conditions, and include the water fluoridation status, oral health behaviors, and education of study participants.
   2. Research is needed to assess the effectiveness and harms of oral health education and behavioral counseling interventions on oral health outcomes.
2. Research is needed to identify the effectiveness of strategies that can be delivered in primary care settings to prevent periodontitis and their effects on associated adverse health outcomes such as tooth loss or cognitive or cardiovascular conditions.

Research Taxonomy: For additional information on research needed to address these evidence gaps, see the Research Gaps Taxonomy table on the USPSTF website .

The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of preventive interventions performed by primary care clinicians for oral health conditions, including dental caries or periodontal-related disease, in asymptomatic adults 18 years or older.

Oral Health in Adults: Preventive Interventions Read the full statement