Prevenzione della carie : Linee Guida Nazionali per la promozione e la prevenzione delle patologie orali in età evolutiva : parte prima = Caries prevention : Italian guidelines for oral health promotion and oral diseases prevention in children : Part one

Recently, the interest in pediatric diseases prevention has significantly increased. Nevertheless, oral diseases, although widely diffused in the population, have been neglected in the recent past. Prevalence and incidence remain high in Italian children, especially in those belonging to "weak" population groups. Therefore, the need to promote basic preventive actions is still evident. In 2007, the Ministry of Health decided to promote the publication of Evidence Based Medicine guidelines on oral diseases prevention in children. In the present paper caries prevention guidelines are reported. Fuoride supplementation has to be recommended for children living in areas with low fuoride concentration in tap water (<0.6 ppm). Fluoride administration through drops and tablets is recommended for children aged 6 months-3 years. The use of 500 ppm fluoride toothpastes is recommended from 3 years up to 6 years; in older children, 1000 ppm toothpastes are suitable. Sealants are recommended for all children. The utilization of sweetened pacifiers and the not-feeding utilization of bottles containing sweet drinks must be forbidden.