ORAL HEALTH OF CHILDREN IN MY COUNTRY.

INTRODUCTION: Dental caries is the most prevalent chronic disease worldwide. It is a disease characterized by multifactorial etiology and slow evolution leading to the destruction of hard tooth tissue. PURPOSE: Throughout this article we aim to review some important aspects related to dental caries and the main etiological factors in order to gain knowledge for oral health professionals in the treatment and prevention of caries. At the same time, the purpose of this study is to assess the state of oral health of children in Kosovo. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To conduct this study, we researched electronic databases, such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, ResearchGate, Science Direct, in selected scientific research and textbooks. Selection criteria included articles published from 1990 to 2021 describing the definition, etiology, and other characteristics associated with dental caries. DISCUSSION: Tooth decay is a disease that develops through the gradual complex biological interactions of acidogenic bacteria, fermentable carbohydrates, tooth and saliva factors, as well as the time factor. Implementation of preventive measures, the need to invest in education for appropriate oral health maintenance measures, related to preventive and ongoing medical and dental care, are key to raising public awareness of its existence and contributing to reducing the prevalence of caries. CONCLUSION: Dental caries is a disease that can greatly affect the health and quality of life of patients, so it is extremely important to increase knowledge about treatment, focusing especially on preventive measures. However, educating and promoting oral health is essential.