Pomakova A.

Medical University – Varna, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Department of Pediatric Dentistry

The role of the frequent use of sweetened medicines as a risk factor in the etiology of dental caries in children is well known. The cariogenic sugars in homeopathic preparations and their role as a risk factor is a topic, which is still not discussed.

Aim: To assess the awareness of dentists on the role of homeopathic medicines as a risk factor in the etiology of dental caries.

Materials and methods: A questionnaire was distributed among 100 dentists from several cities in Bulgaria. It consists of 11 questions, followed by several possible answers. The questions are related to the awareness of dentists about the composition of homeopathic preparations, their role as a risk factor in the etiology of dental caries in children and the need for prevention by their frequent use. Collected data were subjected to statistical analysis and displayed in summary form.

Results: More than half of the respondents are aware of the role of sugar-containing drugs as a factor in the etiology of dental caries in childhood, but do not relate homeopathic preparations to them. More than 50% of the respondents do not recommend additional preventive measures to their pediatric patients, which report a frequent intake of homeopathy.

Conclusion: There is a need for additional education of dentists in Bulgaria to raise their awareness about the possible role of homeopathic medicines as a risk factor in the etiology of dental caries among children.

Keywords: homeopathy, caries, etiology, awareness