 Despite the fact that dental caries is nearly 100% preventable1, it remains the most common chronic childhood disease – five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever2. Caries is a saliva-mediated infectious disease often passed from mothers to their babies when they kiss and share food3. Perinatal and young child oral health is of great significance because children who suffer tooth decay often experience a life-long struggle with chronic disease and pain. Tooth decay not only severely impacts systemic health4 but also our communities through lost school and work hours and increased healthcare costs5.
In order to address what the US Surgeon General has referred to as a “silent epidemic”, leading health organizations, including the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), have all agreed that comprehensive dental care should begin no later than age one6,7. These organizations strongly support the use of caries-risk assessment (CRA) tools to establish personalized oral disease prevention plans for pediatric patients and their caregivers7,8. Additionally, organizations such as the ADA, AAPD and American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) have all recommended that good oral health should begin before birth and that women should obtain and maintain dental health during pregnancy6,8,9.
Medical professionals are essential partners in improving oral health for perinatal and pediatric patients. Physicians and their auxiliaries can be strong advocates for oral health as a vital component to general health and provide many oral health based services including visual oral screening, Caries Risk Assessment (CRA) with complementary fluoride varnish application (physician only), oral health anticipatory guidance and education, and referral to an AbCd Montana certified dentist.
To learn more about perinatal and infant oral health for medical professional see our links the right!!!
1) The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. AAPD Cite ways to prevent risk for children’s tooth decay. AAPD.org
2) Evans CA, Kleinman DV. The surgeon general’s report on America’s oral health: opportunities for the dental profession. J Am Dent Assoc. 2000; 131(12):1721–1728.
3) Berkowitz R. Mutans Streptococci: Acquisition and Transmission. Pediatr Dent 2006; 28:106-109.
4) Acs G. Effects of nursing caries on body weight in a pediatric population. Pediatr Dent. 1992;14 :302 –305.
5) Gift HC, Reisine ST, Larach DC. The social impact of dental problems and visits. Am J Public Health. 1992;82 :1663 –1668.
6) The Council on Clinical Affairs. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Policy on the Dental Home. Reference Manual 2004-2005.
7) Section on Pediatric Dentistry. American Academy of Pediatrics. Oral Health Risk Assessment Timing and Establishment of the Dental Home. Pediatrics Vol. 111 No. 5 May 2003.
8) Council on Clinical Affairs. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Guideline on Infant Oral Health Care. Reference manual 2005-2006.
9) Task Force on Periodontal Treatment of Pregnant Women. American Academy of Periodontology. J Periodontol. 2004; 75(3): 495.
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