The Importance of Oral Health in the Pediatric Population

Course Description:
This activity will address the importance of oral health in the pediatric population including appropriate timelines for checkups, benefits of fluoride treatment and family and community influences on oral health outcomes of children.

Statement of Need:
A recent study found that only 39.5% of physicians knew about the transmissibility of dental caries; 37.3% understood that dental sealants are not usually applied to primary teeth; 60.8% knew the correct fluoride dosage for 4-month-old infants; and 22% were aware of fluoride varnishes.

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood. Dental care is the most prevalent unmet health need in US children with wide disparities existing in oral health and access to care. Only 1 in 5 children covered by Medicaid received preventive oral care for which they are eligible. Children from low income and minority families have poorer oral health outcomes, fewer dental visits, and fewer protective sealants.

Physicians need to be able to communicate and provide resources for oral health.  They need to be able to describe considerations that lead to tooth decay and encourage proper brushing and consistent dental visits.  Lack of information about available treatments and proper screening and communication exist and can be addressed through education opportunities and availability of resources. 

Objectives:

• Describe the consequences, etiology, and prevalence of dental caries through childhood.
• Assess a child’s risk of developing caries.
• Discuss child, family, and community influences on oral health outcomes of children.
• Discuss the effects, sources, and benefits of fluoride.
• Advise families on strategies to prevent caries.
• Describe the role of the PCP/Pediatrician in improving pediatric oral health.
• Describe timeline for pediatric oral care. (when teething begins, when should the first dental visit take place, etc.)