Managing dental caries in children in Turkey--a discussion paper.
BACKGROUND
This paper describes the oral healthcare system and disease situation amongst children in Turkey. Considering the high prevalence and severity of dental caries, a proposal for improvement of oral health in this population group is formulated.


CONCLUSIONS
A virtual absence of palliative, preventive and restorative care characterises juvenile oral healthcare in Turkey. Consequently, carious cavities remain untreated, which may lead to pain, discomfort and functional limitation and, further, may impact negatively upon general health and cognitive development. As a first step to controlling dental caries, a national health programme including promotional, preventive and minimal intervention approaches for managing dental caries is proposed. The pros and cons of community-oriented caries-preventive measures are discussed. Daily tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste at home, in mother- and child-care centres, kindergartens, and schools is highlighted.


CONCLUSIONS
The dental profession, government, university officials and other stakeholders need to meet and determine how best the oral health of children in Turkey can be improved. The present proposed plan is considered a starting point.
Topaloglu-Ak
Asli
A
Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir 35100, Turkey. aslitopaloglu@yahoo.com
Eden
Ece
E
Frencken
Jo E
JE
D000293:Adolescent; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004245:DMF Index; D057087:Dental Atraumatic Restorative Treatment; D019140:Dental Care for Children / Q000379:methods*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D003752:Dental Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004032:Diet; D005459:Fluorides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006267:Health Education, Dental; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration; D015995:Prevalence; D012571:School Dentistry; D014099:Toothbrushing; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D005459:Fluorides