Questions
PREVENTION OF DENTAL CARIES THROUGH THE EFFECTIVE USE OF FLUORIDE – THE PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
Questions
Given a global perspective , are the problems related to dental caries are largely solved now ?
qa . Dental caries continues to be a major public health problem to countries across the world and is now increasing rapidly in developing countries ; qb . Because of dentistry , dental caries is now a limited problem to people around the globe ; qc . Essentially , we have no effective strategies to tackle the burden of dental caries among people ; qd . The burden of dental caries is more or less of same magnitude in Eastern Europe as in Western Europe .
Is fluoride is of great benefit to avoid dental caries ? qa . Yes , years of research have shown high scientific evidence of fluoride for the prevention of dental caries ; qb . Fluoride is harmful to the health of people and should be avoided ; qc . It is helpful that we have information on the internet on the negative impact of fluoride ; qd . People will suffer from dental caries no matter what .
What is the recommendation made by WHO in relation to fluoride ?
qa . The use of fluoride should be restricted because it is unhealthy ; qb . The use of fluoride is a cost-effective approach for public health ; qc . The use of fluoride-containing toothpaste is good but the fluoride concentration does not matter ; qd . Children and pregnant women should avoid fluoride for the prevention of dental caries .
Do we have to accept social inequalities in dental caries ?
qa . In dentistry we have no effective means to reduce the health gap between poor and wealthy people ; qb . Automatic fluoridation ( water , salt or milk ) is a most equitable approach which is recommendable in public health ; qc . Social inequality is not of concern to dentistry ; we should just take proper care of our patients ; qd . If poor or low educated people just cleaned their teeth properly , they would have a dental status comparable to the standard of wealthy and highly educated people .
140 STOMA . EDUJ ( 2016 ) 3 ( 2 )