Peculiarities of Health Education in Organized Children Groups in Order to Prevent Dental Diseases

Abstract

<jats:p>Now, prevention of dental diseases in children is still remaining quite relevant. This is especially true for young children, because it is during this period that a permanent bite begins to develop, and its health depends on preventive measures provided at the time of teething and teeth mineralization. Successful treatment and prevention of caries and other dental diseases requires a rational health education approach and detailing of the mechanisms of its implementation. Health volunteering seems to be very promising and effective. The goal of the «Posmishka (Smile)» volunteering team is to teach children the basics of hygiene and oral care rules, to familiarize them with the structure and functions of teeth, to emphasize the importance of using basic and additional hygiene products, based on the theory of the perception channels by Neil Fleming (visual, auditory, kinesthetic). Children's attention should be focused on preventing the occurrence of dental diseases, not their treatment. Knowing about the children's fear of dentists, volunteers try to show in soft manner how and why a carious process occurs, why, how and where the doctor performs manipulations to preserve the tooth. Perhaps, when knowing the causes of the aetiology and pathogenesis of the caries process, they will begin to take a closer look at oral hygiene. A very important stage, in our opinion, is to familiarize children with the anatomical structure of the tooth, the functions of its tissues, the mechanism of the caries progression, as understanding the causes prevents consequences. We believe that preventative work should be done not only for children, but also for all who surround them: teaching staff, health care providers and parents. Therefore, health education among the children of organized groups (classes, for example) is a priority for the volunteering team «Posmishka», because despite the wide variety of dental products, the innovativeness in medical technologies, the availability of passive information, the prevalence of dental diseases is increasing.</jats:p>