Infant oral health care-an early preventive approach to dental caries

Abstract

Caries is the most prevalent infectious disease in our world’s children. Professional intervention within six months after eruption of the first primary tooth or not later than twelve months of age, directed at factors affecting the oral cavity helps in reduction of dental caries. Early screenings present an opportunity to educate parents about the medical, dental, and cost- benefits of preventive rather than restorative care and may be more effective in reducing early childhood caries than traditional infectious disease models. The family physician/pediatrician who sees a child from birth, as part of the well-baby visit program, is in the best position to identify early dental problems and to educate the family about early oral preventive health care. The physician will then be in a better position to recommend to parents when they should seek dental advice and treatment for their young children.