Periodontal screening, where are we now? A narrative review

Prevention of diseases begins with screening. An ideal screening tool identifies patients at an early stage to facilitate appropriate treatment modalities with the aim of preventing symptom manifestation, reducing disease severity, and improving health outcomes. Disease screening has been a fundamental component of preventive medicine and dentistry. In the context of periodontal disease, the basic periodontal examination (BPE) is one of the screening tools available. There is a high prevalence of periodontal diseases worldwide, indicating a global issue. Despite the significance of periodontal screening, it remains underutilized both globally and locally. The lack of routine screening contributes to poor assessment and treatment of periodontal disease. This article focuses on the epidemiology of periodontal disease, the associated challenges, current screening practices, and the future directions of periodontal screening. By addressing these issues, early detection and management of periodontal disease can be improved, ultimately enhancing oral health outcomes.