Prevention of dental caries with fluorides in Hungary

Abstract

Although there has been great improvements of oral health in the world the problem is living especially in Central and Eastern European countries. Hungary could be found on the borderline between Central and Eastern Europe representing a gate to the Western European Countries. Large variety uses of fluoride and other methods have been recognized for preventing dental diseases. From among regarding the systemic fluoride prevention a salt fluoridation programme was introduced between 1966 and 1983 in Szeged and surroundings organized by Károly Tóth. An other systemic fluoride programme was introduced by Jolán Bánóczy in Fót, nearby Budapest between 1978 and 1990. Both programmes resulted in better oral health in the involved populations. A topical fluoride Elmex programme was performed by Judit Szőke in 1980 which showed good results with significant improvements of oral hygiene and caries increment in the test group. During the past period the only National Oral Health Programme was organized between 1986 and 1995 included administration of fluoride tablets in most kindergarten and primary schools, use of fuoride toothpaste, oral hygiene instruction and dietary counseling. Although there were a lot of problems during that period this programme resulted in mostly positive outcomes like trend of caries became decreasing and prevalence of gingivitis reduced. After finishing this programme preventive activity has been reduced considerably, the current situations of oral health and related factors are unfavourable.

Conclusion – It would be necessary to organize and finance a new governmental programmes including complex preventive oral care to improve oral health in Hungary.