Oral hygiene for children: a look at what we must have and what we should do

Numerous reports show the state of oral health in children from many parts of the world. They indicate that dental caries and periodontal disease in children are common and not under proper control and that there is a high prevalence of dentofacial anomalies requiring early treatment. What we must have in relation to oral hygiene for children are manpower, materials and health education. These needs are analysed in detail. What we do is described for three groups of children: preschool, school and adolescent and young adult. Six common factors for all children carrying out oral hygiene are outlined under the following headings: (a) increasing the resistance of the tooth by the use of fluorides, (b) the control of plaque, (c) correct nutrition, (d) dental health education, (e) early recognition of major disorders of the orofacial complex and (f) regular visits to the dentist and his auxiliary help. What we should be doing for each group is discussed. Finally, some thought about the future way to dental health are presented in which it is suggested that the computer revolution "will have an overwhelming and comprehensive impact on every human being on earth in every aspect of his or her life' (Evans, 1979). The question is asked and discussed whether the dental profession is preparing for this revolution and the great changes that will come in our methods of education, clinical practice, research and education. The paper ends with the proposal that now is the time for organized dentistry to examine its policies in relation to education, clinical practice, research and administration so as to produce a primary dental health service available to total populations in the countries of the world.