Caries management in paediatric patients has consisted so far mainly of treating consequences of caries instead of its main reason – the cariogenic bacteria. Literature reports on the benefits of using antibacterial agents such as povidone--iodine are increasing. It is specifically recommended in young patients and mentally disabled people treated under general anaesthesia. The aim is to present methods of using povidone-iodine in caries prevention and treatment in children, as well as its clinical and antibacterial efficacy. A literature review was performed on the use of povidone-iodine in treatment of primary dentition caries, basing on the available data bases – PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE. The mode of action, methods of use and the effect on cariogenic bacteria count and increase in caries of povidone-iodine were described. In most subjects, increase in caries was assessed. In all reviewed cases, reduction of caries increase in study groups vs. control groups was observed. Povidone-iodine is recommended specifically in high caries risk children because of its rapid and long-lasting antibacterial effect.

Key words: povidone-iodine, caries prevention, treatment, children, youth.