Early Childhood Caries and the Pediatric NP
The earlier the child receives dental care, the less likely the child will experience permanent dental health problems. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the ADA recommend that infants have an initial oral evaluation within 6 months of the eruption of the first primary tooth or by 12 months of age. The AAPD advocates oral health anticipatory guidance at every visit. A study has reported that health care providers' recommendation that children visit the dentist was associated with an increase in dental visits among children.
Fluoride is one of the most effective methods in the prevention of caries. Fluoride prevents caries by remineralizing weakened tooth enamel and by inhibiting the metabolism of carbohydrates by plaque bacteria. Fluoride is available in systemic and topical forms. Systemically, it is available in water, fluoridated beverages, vitamin supplements, or alone. Topical fluoride is available in mouth washes, oral rinses, and toothpastes. Fluoride in any form should not be used for children younger than 6 months, and fluoridation supplementation dosage should be based on the fluoride levels in local public water sources and the child's major source of water consumption. Information regarding fluoride levels in water sources can be obtained from local health departments. The Table provides evidence-based recommendations for fluoride supplementation based on fluoride water levels.
Dental sealant is another protective measure to prevent ECC. Dental sealant is a safe plastic material that is placed on the chewing surfaces of rear molars to protect and prevent against caries. Sealant is effective because it covers the grooves of the teeth where topical fluoride is less effective. In fact, the use of dental sealants decreased occlusal caries in posterior teeth among children ages 6 through 17 years by 60%. It should be noted that children need to be referred to a pediatric dentist for the application of sealant.
Management of Oral Health
The earlier the child receives dental care, the less likely the child will experience permanent dental health problems. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the ADA recommend that infants have an initial oral evaluation within 6 months of the eruption of the first primary tooth or by 12 months of age. The AAPD advocates oral health anticipatory guidance at every visit. A study has reported that health care providers' recommendation that children visit the dentist was associated with an increase in dental visits among children.
Fluoride is one of the most effective methods in the prevention of caries. Fluoride prevents caries by remineralizing weakened tooth enamel and by inhibiting the metabolism of carbohydrates by plaque bacteria. Fluoride is available in systemic and topical forms. Systemically, it is available in water, fluoridated beverages, vitamin supplements, or alone. Topical fluoride is available in mouth washes, oral rinses, and toothpastes. Fluoride in any form should not be used for children younger than 6 months, and fluoridation supplementation dosage should be based on the fluoride levels in local public water sources and the child's major source of water consumption. Information regarding fluoride levels in water sources can be obtained from local health departments. The Table provides evidence-based recommendations for fluoride supplementation based on fluoride water levels.
Dental sealant is another protective measure to prevent ECC. Dental sealant is a safe plastic material that is placed on the chewing surfaces of rear molars to protect and prevent against caries. Sealant is effective because it covers the grooves of the teeth where topical fluoride is less effective. In fact, the use of dental sealants decreased occlusal caries in posterior teeth among children ages 6 through 17 years by 60%. It should be noted that children need to be referred to a pediatric dentist for the application of sealant.