Effective Strategies to Prevent Dental Caries Among Millennials

Over 60% of millennials have dental caries worldwide (WHO, 2022). Prevention of dental caries is a growing concern and in Canada, 96% of adults experience tooth decay, with millennials at higher risk due to sugary diets, inconsistent oral hygiene, lifestyle choices, lack of awareness, and limited access to preventive care with irregular dental visits. Untreated cavities lead to pain, infections, and costly treatments, impacting overall health and well-being. This study is a systematic review of the literature analyzing multiple studies to identify the best prevention strategies. Key databases used include PubMed and Google Scholar. The findings included key themes on early detection of caries, fluoride use, diet modifications, and most importantly oral health education, crucial for reducing cavity rates and promoting long-term dental health, better engagement, and improved oral health outcomes. Future research can employ quantitative experimental studies to test new fluoride applications and qualitative phenomenological research to explore millennials’ attitudes and barriers to preventive dental care.