Oral Health Promotion in a Low-Income Population.

Although in recent years there has been reduction in prevalence of tooth decay, it has also been observed the phenomenon of polarization of the disease, with a small portion of the population focusing most of the disease. The caries control is efficient if the main factors involved in its etiology can be controlled. Diet and hygiene are considered the main factors for the disease, but the socio-economic factor is also important, being the difference in polarization of the disease. This study was carried out in a small town where not all people have access to fluoridated water. In this study guidelines were carried out on oral hygiene and diet of the population from 6 to 9 years of age met in the program for the eradication of child labor (PETI) were introduced to reduce the number of cariogenic microorganisms and thus reduce the incidence of caries in this population. The diet modification was difficult due to the the economic situation of such children. The results were verified by the pattern of incidence of caries through clinical examination, by evaluating the menu offered to children and by counting of microorganisms. A significant reduction of cariogenic microorganisms was observed at the beginning of the work, but this reduction is not maintained when the visits became more spaced. To promote and maintain oral health, punctual actions are of little value. It is important that periodic reinforcement of the guidelines for the results become perennials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]