[Role of traditional Chinese medicine concepts in the prevention of childhood caries].

Abstract

The high prevalence of childhood caries poses a considerable threat to children's overall health. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) concepts offers a distinctive and valuable perspective on caries prevention. This study explores TCM's conceptualization of dental caries in relation to the physiological characteristics of children and proposes targeted preventive strategies, including holistic care, dietary regulation, and lifestyle modification. In addition, the study highlights the role of traditional modalities, such as Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, and tuina, in caries prevention, while emphasizing the importance of supporting children's mental health. The integration of TCM with modern medical practices holds promise for advancing research into the prevention and treatment of caries. Furthermore, promoting the overall improvement of children's health.