A METHOD FOR IMPROVING THE PREVENTION OF DENTAL CARIES IN CHILDREN USING THE "AERODENT" DEVICE

Dental caries remains one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood and continues to impose a substantial clinical and social burden despite the availability of fluoride, professional prophylaxis, and oral hygiene education. The multifactorial nature of caries, combined with low compliance in young children, makes it necessary to search for adjunctive preventive approaches that are simple, acceptable, and biologically justified. The aim of this article is to present and substantiate a method for improving the prevention of dental caries in children using the “Aerodent” device as part of a comprehensive pediatric oral health program. This paper is based on an analytical review of current recommendations in pediatric caries prevention and published descriptions of the Aerodent device. Available reports describe Aerodent as a tooth-cleaning capsule/device intended to deliver an extract-based solution, including licorice root components, while also assisting the mechanical cleansing of tooth surfaces. The proposed preventive method includes baseline caries-risk assessment, professional examination, individualized hygiene training, supervised home use of Aerodent, fluoride-based prevention according to age and risk, dietary counseling, and follow-up monitoring of plaque control and enamel resistance. The theoretical and practical value of the method lies in combining mechanical cleaning, improved compliance, and local delivery of biologically active plant components with established preventive standards. Aerodent should be considered an adjunct, not a replacement, for fluoride toothpaste, rational nutrition, and regular dental supervision. Further controlled clinical studies are needed to confirm its long-term efficacy and define optimal protocols for different pediatric age groups.