Abstract
Introduction. The high intensity and prevalence of dental caries in children remains a significant problem, the solution of which requires the use of complex preventive methods and an interdisciplinary approach, active interaction of dentists and pediatricians. Pediatricians, observing a child from birth, have certain opportunities in terms of correcting the regimen and composition of the child’s diet to reduce the influence of the alimentary factor, as one of the leading ones in the pathogenesis of dental caries in children. Purpose: to substantiate the need for interdisciplinary interaction between pediatricians and dentists to reduce the influence of the alimentary factor in the pathogenesis of dental caries in young children. Materials and methods. A survey of pediatricians was conducted using a questionnaire posted on the Internet (Google survey). 170 pediatricians took part in the survey. The results of a survey of 344 parents accompanying their children to preventive dental examinations at the St. Petersburg State Budgetary Healthcare Institution «City Polyclinic No. 24» and the St. Petersburg State Budgetary Healthcare Institution «City Children’s Dental Polyclinic No. 6» were used. Results. It was found that the level of knowledge of pediatricians about the etiopathogenesis of caries, cariogenic factors of baby food products, caries-protective properties of drinking water and oral hygiene is insufficient, at the same time, most pediatricians recognize the possibility of effective prevention of dental caries in children. Conclusions. In order to increase the effectiveness of preventive work and reduce the possible cariogenic effects of nutrition, close interaction between pediatricians and dentists is necessary, as well as the organization of communication between pediatricians and dentists in professional blogs and at scientific and practical conferences on issues of preventing caries in primary teeth, including early visits to the dentist, recommendations for oral hygiene, monitoring fluoride intake into the body and rational, balanced nutrition for children.