Abstract
Although there are descriptions of dental caries and its preventive procedures in the health textbooks ('HOKEN', in Japanese, 2004 version) used nationally in elementary schools in Japan, we found that the global standard describing the results of research for dental decay and caries prevention in the latter half of the 20th century was not represented. Dental caries constitute a multifactorial disease. A favorable balance between demineralization and remineralization is necessary to maintain intact teeth throughout life. Therefore, it was thought that dental health could be improved by accurately describing dental decay and effective caries preventive strategies in textbooks such as 'HOKEN'. The following points should be emphasized: (1) The carious process, so-called demineralization, and the remineralization of demineralized teeth should be correctly described. (2) The description emphasizing that dental decay can be prevented through oral hygiene alone should be corrected. (3) Proper explanation of the insights into fluoride and salivary activities that promote remineralization should be given. National health promotion for the 21st century (Health Japan 21) is developing in Japan. This movement is based on the ideas of health promotion. As the incidence of caries is decreasing worldwide, we propose that textbooks reflecting evidence-based dentistry for the improvement of the quality of the life of schoolchildren should be produced. In particular, The Japanese Society for Dental Health should immediately establish a subcommittee to focus on the textbook to discuss and publish the results from the standpoint of oral health for all, and endeavor to communicate the global standard to schoolchildren and persons working in school dental health.
