All issues > Volume 51(2); 2008

Review Article

Korean J Pediatr. 2008;51(2):129-133. Published online February 15, 2008.

Preventive dentistry for children

Jin Bom JB Kim¹

¹Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea

Correspondence Jin Bom JB Kim ,Email: jbomkim@pusan.ac.kr

Abstract

Dental caries is the first disease to cause the pathological extraction of teeth in children. The complete prevention of dental caries is not achieved by toothbrushing alone. The use of fluoride and pit and fissure sealant is regarded as key tools to prevent dental caries. Fluoride-containing tablets or multi-vitamins and community water fluoridation can be used as systemic application techniques. Professional fluoride application, fluoride iontophoresis on teeth, fluoride mouth rinsing and fluoride- containing toothpaste can be used as local application techniques. Pit and fissure sealant is mainly used to prevent dental caries on occlusal surfaces of premolars and molars. Sweeteners not to occur dental caries has been developed to substitute sucrose. Dental erosion increases according to the high consumption of acidic soft drink or beverages. The appropriate use of fluoride and pit and fissure sealant are recommended to prevent dental caries effectively and the education is required to reduce the consumption of acidic soft drinks or beverages to decrease dental erosion.

Keywords :Dental caries, Dental erosion, Fluoride, Pit and fissure sealant, Sweetener