Dental health promotion

The three main factors involved in dental caries are bacteria, sugars and host predisposition whereas the most effective proceedings to prevent caries are fluoride supplements, dietetic measures, teeth brushing and the restoration of active lesions.

The most effective fluoride to prevent dental caries is topic continuous-administered fluoride. This statement together with the knowledge that excessive systemic fluoride in the pre-eruptive phase is associated to dental fluorosis, makes dental brushing with fluoridated toothpaste the most advisable preventive measure against caries. A thorough brushing is more important than the brushing technique itself.

Fluoride supplements are only recommended to caries risk groups and their amount must be related to tap water fluoride concentration due to the fact that food is not a relevant fluoride source.

Fluoride mouthwashes used daily or weekly should be recommended for children over 6 years old to make sure that they will not swallow them.

Sugar cariogenicity depends more on the kind of carbohydrate and of the time spent in the mouth than on the amount of it. That is why it is especially recommended not to offer bottle feeding while sleeping.

Keywords: Oral health. Tooth decay. Fluoride.