Treatment of periodontal diseases: Latin America and the Caribbean Consensus 2024

The prevalence of periodontitis in Latin American and Caribbean countries (LACC) drew attention to a significant public health issue exacerbated by socio-economic disparities. This consensus report, based on the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) S3 level clinical practice guidelines, proposed a multifaceted approach to periodontal health-care. The report highlighted the critical need for holistic, population-wide health policies and underscored the lack of documented community interventions in contemporary literature. The consensus advocated for a patient-centered approach to periodontal care, with non-surgical and surgical interventions, and a long-term commitment to supportive periodontal care (SPC). It emphasized the importance of patient engagement in biofilm control by means of home-care and professional interventions for long-term periodontal health. The report also stressed that subgingival instrumentation benefits even severely compromised teeth, by significantly reducing probing depths and gingival inflammation. Moreover, it emphasized the importance of personalized, long-term SPC for maintaining oral health post-treatment, and pointed out the need to identify factors influencing patient adherence. The aim of this report was to provide actionable guidance for clinicians and policymakers, focused on improving periodontal health outcomes and quality of life in LACC.