MONITORING AND INFORMATION FOR CARIES RISK CONTROL- BETWEEN ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of information on oral and dental health in a group of schoolchildren’s. Material and method. Dental status for 162 children attending a school in the city of Cluj-Napoca was follow up for 1 year, using the DMFT index. Children received information’s about brushing technique, regular dental check-up and heathy diet in the course of the examination. Parents were informed about the diagnosed lesions and the need for treatment. Results. The number of monitored children varied between 162 at the beginning of the study (mean age 7 years) and 160 after 1 year (mean age 8 years), a numerical difference that did not exceed the statistically accepted 10% threshold. The DMFT progressively increase from 2.95 at the age of seven, to 4.02 at the age of eight, with statistically significant differences (p<0.001). Discussions. The Romanian model of oral healthcare is focused on curative treatments instead of preventive strategies. Schools have the mission of promoting plans aimed to extending children’s knowledge in preserving and improving oral health. It is also necessary to strengthen educational programs, as it is very important to maintain the motivation of children and that of their parents. Conclusions. Education and information alone, in the particular case of our group, did not accomplished an adequate control for caries risk.

Keywords

• education
• information
• tooth decay