Assessment of the Prevention Measures Effectiveness for the Development of Carious Dental Lesions in Military Personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Abstract

Introduction. The prevalence and severity of diseases of the teeth and oral cavity are directly dependent on the level of dental care. The specific living conditions and combat activities of the personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, associated with the characteristics of the military profession, influence the course of pathological processes of the dentofacial apparatus and require appropriate methods of prevention and treatment. The purpose of the research: to evaluate the effectiveness of measures to prevent the development of dental caries in military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Materials and methods. To conduct the study, 348 military personnel of the Ternopil zonal department of the Military Law Enforcement Service (TZDMLES) were examined; they underwent a clinical examination in order to identify carious dental damage. The intensity of caries was determined according to the CFE index, and the acid resistance of enamel was studied using the TER test. After the initial examination, military personnel of all ages underwent complete sanitation of the oral cavity. According to indications, fissures were also opened and sealed. When enamel resistance was found to be decreased and initial forms of caries were present, patients underwent deep fluoridation of enamel and dentin. In order to optimize primary prevention measures for the development of major dental diseases for military personnel, we have developed an oral care program for the period of stay in the combat zone. Results. When studying the prevalence of the carious process during the initial examination among military personnel of the TZDMLES, it was found that the prevalence of the carious process in this category of people was high: from 83.08% in the age group of 20 to 25 years to 100% in the age groups of 36 to 40 and 41 to 45 years. Indicators of the intensity of the carious process tend to increase among men and women in all age groups. After 12 months of observation, a decrease in the increase in the “C” index and a significant increase in the acid resistance of enamel was noted in all age groups examined. Conclusions. When planning measures for the primary prevention of the development of carious lesions, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the life of patients, which is especially reasonable for military personnel who are in the combat zone, and carry out preventive measures together with therapeutic ones in order to reduce the risk of developing major dental diseases and increase their combat effectiveness.