DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjds.2026.v13i1.001

Pages: 1-9

Preventive dentistry has evolved substantially over the past decade with the integration of minimally invasive techniques, biomaterials, digital technologies, and personalized risk-based care. This review aims to synthesize contemporary evidence on preventive strategies for dental caries and periodontal disease published between February 2021 and March 2025. A structured literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library using keywords related to preventive dentistry, caries prevention, periodontal prevention, fluoride, sealants, probiotics, and digital oral health. Eligible studies included systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and clinical guidelines in English. Evidence indicates that fluoride-based interventions, pit-and-fissure sealants, bioactive remineralizing agents, behavioral risk modification, and host-modulation therapies remain foundational. Emerging approaches such as oral microbiome modulation, salivary diagnostics, artificial intelligence–assisted risk prediction, and teledentistry demonstrate promising preventive potential. However, heterogeneity in study design, limited long-term outcomes, and disparities in access to preventive services persist. Overall, contemporary preventive dentistry is shifting toward precision-based, minimally invasive, and digitally supported care models. Strengthening preventive policies, improving evidence quality, and integrating personalized medicine principles are essential to reducing the global burden of oral diseases. Keywords: Preventive dentistry; dental caries; periodontal disease; fluoride therapy; oral microbiome; digital dentistry.