254. The oral health status of children is not what it should be

Pindamonhangaba, São Paulo (BRAZIL) - "The oral health status of children is not what it should be." This is the opinion of the dentist Janaina Costa Tavares de Castro, who holds a social work orientation to children in a private school in the district of Cesar Moreira in Pindamonhangaba. Graduated in the Faculty of Dentistry Pindamonhangaba, Susan has improved in the field of dentistry. She believes that often the poor oral oral health of many children is due to lack of time and information of many parents.

"Today, many mothers work outside and have this difficulty to supervise. The child ends up with the maid or even in kindergarten. And is not the same thing. It is difficult to perceive the existence of cavities, "says the dentist. For this reason, she says that the performance of dentists in schools would be of fundamental importance to improving the oral health of children. In the city of Guaratinguetá, for example, she said that many public schools already have dental.

In the opinion of Janaina, it is important for parents to do the monitoring of brushing and flossing. She said this work should take place through interaction between parents, teachers and professionals in dentistry. The specific work done in school Moreira César, Susan is doing a survey of oral health status of children. But, she said, the first screening, in which 70 children were, the number of cavities was found than expected.

"Let's do this survey, the school meet, interact with parents and, through reports and seminars, show cases and be giving a warning," he said. The professional warning that the appearance of white spots on the teeth of children is not always perceived. "These spots are already the first manifestation of decay and sometimes goes unnoticed," justified.

Janaina believes that a joint effort between dentists, schools and parents is of paramount importance for the prevention, helping to reduce the oral problems.

Saúde Vale

* * *

Attention is also drawn to the need to conduct surveys of the student population in Portugal. Detecting problems early can prevent these tragedies in the future of many children and young people. When is screening at national level?