The Conceptual Risk Model - Essay Example

The conceptual risk model can be of help in the identification of periodontal disease risk factors. Risk factors may be behavioral, environmental, or biological factors that when present increase the likelihood of an individual developing a certain condition (Clerehugh, Tugnait & Genco, 2009). This paper discusses the application of the conceptual risk model in addressing the periodontal disease issue in community dental care. The development of periodontal diseases is associated with several risk factors including general poor oral hygiene, eating habits, especially the consumption of sugars and acids, genetic predisposition, and cigarette smoking. It is estimated that cigarette smokers are 10 times more likely to develop periodontal disease and other gum diseases compared with non-smokers (Clerehugh, Tugnait & Genco, 2009).

Cigarette smoking is the major preventable risk factor for the development of the disease with studies indicating that risk is aggravated by the frequency of the smoking habit. The smoking risk factor is particularly rampant among people in lower socioeconomic classes characterized by limited dental care access and awareness about the risk factors. The Smoking Risk Factor The target community in the assessment of the periodontal disease problem risk factor is the African-Americans living in the lower socioeconomic class.

The smoking habit is rampant in this community hence the likelihood of high periodontal disease cases. . Since the smoking habit can significantly predict the number of periodontal disease cases in the community, effective implementation of strategies aimed at addressing the smoking habit would translate to a reduction in the periodontal disease cases. Smoking is a major risk factor for periodontal disease because nicotine causes inflammation of gum tissues and the production of cytokines by the immune system leading to the destruction of tissues and cells.

Smoking results in periodontal connective tissue breakdown through the increased activity of P.gingivalis oral bacteria associated with the presence of nicotine (Clerehugh, Tugnait & Genco, 2009). Secondhand smoking also puts individuals exposed to cigarette smoke at greater risk of developing periodontal disease hence the need to control or prevent the smoking risk factor within the targeted community. Smoking cessation enhances the prognosis of treatment for periodontal disease and forms one of the important measures in the prevention of disease recurrence.

Interventions The smoking risk factor for periodontal disease among low-income African-Americans can be addressed through the implementation of community-based smoking cessation programs. The working environments for these people can play a critical role in promoting and supporting smoking cessation efforts through the formulation of no-smoking policies within the workplace (Thompson, Burns, Lynn & Shopland, 2004). This would see many of the workers quit the smoking habit. Risk awareness programs can play a critical role in ensuring that young people do not indulge in smoking behavior.