Oral health promotion in children suffering from systemic diseases

Abstract

Introduction: Modern dental medicine steadily aims at preserving the oral health status of the population. This is done not only by operative techniques and removal of affected hard tooth tissues but also by using preventive, non-operative and minimally invasive techniques. Measures are implemented to promote oral health in children and adolescents. Aim: The aim of the present review is to clarify the role of oral health promotion in children suffering from systemic diseases. Materials and Methods: A literature review has been done on the basis of 30 referenced scientific publications from scientific databases.When doing the following literature review, we intended to discuss the already suggested methods of promoting oral health and hygienic status in children and adolescents suffering from certain systemic diseases and conditions and if no methods are already implemented - to suggest possible ones. Results: Our scientific interest marks the specifics of the oral status among children with anemia, epilepsy, diabetes mellitus (type 1), and problems with maintaining a balanced diet. In order to reduce the risks to the general health and well-being of the child by neglecting their oral health, lack of knowledge of the parents and late visits to dental specialists must be minimized. Conclusion: Raising awareness through informational campaigns, visiting hospitalized children, making educational presentations and brochures and demonstrating the correct brushing techniques on phantom jaw models, regular dental check-ups, professional dental and self-care are key factors in oral health promotion. Medical doctors treating the given systemic disease, doctors of dental medicine, general practitioners and parents should work together to keep the balance between general and oral health.