3/2007The role family doctors play in caries prevention in children and adolescents

RADOSŁAW JADACH (Katedra i Zakład Periodontologii Akademii Medycznej we Wrocławiu; Kierownik: prof. dr hab. Marek Ziętek)

Background
WHO stated in a recent report that the tooth decay was classified as one of the most serious health problems of the present century. There must be a cooperation between medical professionals of various professions to treat caries efficiently.

Material and methods
During the questionnaire study family medicine practitioners and dentists were asked 3 questions: whether they regularly examined each pediatric patient’s mouth and teeth, whether each child after the examination was ordered to control or undergo necessary dental treatment and whether they talked with the child’s parent (administrator) how to keep mouth healthy and clean. On the basis of the questionnaire results and literature review there were formulated universal conclusions.

Results
On the basis of literature and preliminary own observation a necessity was demonstrated of interdisciplinary approach towards the problem of the tooth decay amongst children and young people. Since a family doctor is the first, besides the dentist, doctor, with whom the mother consults her child’s condition, it is his responsibility to instruct parents on how to prevent tooth decay.

Key words: caries, family doctor, child