Product Description
Periodontal diseases and dental caries are almost universally prevalent across the world, and oral cancer, the commonest cause of cancer in some developing countries, is a growing problem also in industrial populations. Nevertheless, severe oral disease exists in only a minority of any population, and the three volumes forming Risk Markers for Oral Diseases set out to characterize these at-risk groups and define markers by which they may be identified. Reviewing epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data, these volumes point the way towards improved diagnostic and prognostic testing, an exciting and rapidly expanding aspect of dentistry. This volume discusses in detail the distribution of periodontal diseases in the populations of industrialized and non-industrialized countries. It considers the characteristics of high-risk groups and individuals within these populations, analysing subject-based risk factors and clinical markers. Particular consideration is given to new methods for microbial screening and to the measurement of local and systemic immune responses in the host, which may lead to the development of biologically based diagnostic tests. Risk Markers for Oral Diseases represents a landmark in the reorientation of contemporary dentistry towards new goals. This volume and its companions are therefore essential works of reference for all dental professionals.