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Pani SC, Al-Sibai SA, Rao AS, Kazimoglu SN, Mosadomi HA. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent 2017;7: 191–196.

Healthcare concerns in long-term refugee camps change as time passes, from the seeking of emergency care to the management and prevention of chronic conditions such as dental diseases. In this small sample study, refugee parents in Turkey, many educated to degree level, express concern for the oral health of their children. Oral hygiene is difficult because of an inability to replace worn out toothbrushes and to purchase toothpaste. Gargling with salt water and washing the mouth with soap (provided in their care package) are methods to which they resort. In contrast to their homeland, access to dental treatment is limited. Dental pain acts as a trigger for deep feelings of anger and frustration with their circumstances and a reminder of their powerlessness to help their children.