[The results of epidemiological studies of dental caries in children of the Siberian region].

Thorough epidemiologic studies are the basis for the development of effective methods and means of primary prevention of dental caries in children. With this aim in view, we examined 21,035 children living in various rural and urban regions of west Siberia. The duration of their stay in the Extreme North was taken account of, as well as levels of fluoride, selenium, and other odontotropic substances in drinking water and other biogeographical factors over the recent one or two decades. The study demonstrated an increasing incidence and intensity of caries, particularly so in the rural regions, which is due to insufficient primary and secondary prophylactic measures. The highest incidence and intensity of the disease were observed in the residents of Tyumen Province. For improving the prevention of dental diseases it is necessary that epidemiological factors in the studied regions be taken into consideration.