[Caries prevention and its methods in Hungary and other European countries]

Hungary belongs to those European countries where the intensity of caries is sill very high and the decline in the caries prevalence curve cannot be noticed. Nevertheless reduction in caries incidence were reported in regions with regular administration of fluoride either via fluoridated salts' or fluoride tablets or by means of topical application of fluor. It is very difficult to change the domestic dietary habits and to improve the state oral hygiene. In 1985 a complete preventive program was introduced by a team led by the author based on the three most important fundaments of the caries prevention and the early dental health care system in childhood. Children aged 0 to 6 as well as young elementary school children were given fluoride tablets completed with the use of Elmex Gel in the kindergarten and elementary school. The consumption of fluoride containing toothpastes is steadily increasing in Hungary. Our diet control program is focusing on the reduction of sugar consumption between meals and the introduction of special sweeteners. This is completed with the promotion of special oral hygiene measures and the start of the dental hygienist education program in our country.