Learn about the incidence, risk factors, and prevention of dental caries in children and adolescents; share this knowledge with your colleagues
› Request referrals for dental sealant programs or to low-cost dental clinics, if available
› Educate parents about the risk of transmitting oral bacteria to their children, the need for regular dental checkups beginning at age 6 months, the need to avoid sharing utensils, and the importance of minimizing consumption of sugary drinks and foods(1,2,7)
› Inform parents to(1,2,7)
• clean young children’s (age 2 and under) teeth twice daily with a soft brush or washcloth and to floss regularly. Fluoridated toothpaste should be added by age 2 years; however, children should use no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste each time they brush to avoid fluorosis
• avoid giving bottles that contain sweetened milk or fruit juice between meals or at bedtime
• teach older children and adolescents to independently practice good oral hygiene and dietary habits and to use a fluoridated toothpaste and mouth rinse beginning at age 6
–Parents of children < 6 years of age should monitor the use of fluoridated toothpaste to confirm children are adequately rinsing and expectorating