Whole mouth health

Abstract

Whole mouth health is an important concept for the 21st century, both for achieving oral health and as a necessary component of maintaining overall good health. Establishing and maintaining a daily oral hygiene regimen is critical for maintaining good oral health; however, this practice alone may not suffice. An effective oral hygiene regimen must be supplemented by routine visits to a dental professional. As important as a daily oral health care regimen is in maintaining good oral health, its value depends on effective technology and the patient–dental practitioner relationship in terms of using these products effectively to produce a positive outcome-based health care program. Dr. Ciancio is a distinguished service professor and chair, Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, School of Dental Medicine, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, 250 Squire Hall, Buffalo, NY 14214, He is also the guest editor of this supplement.