–Researchers have found that exposure to fluoridated public water helped ameliorate the negative effects of
sugar-sweetened beverage consumption on child dental caries
• Comprehensive evaluation and treatment of expectant mothers and oral health counseling on the etiology of caries and how
to prevent transmission of S. mutans to infants is essential to reduce risk for infant and childhood caries
• Professional application of resin-based sealants on first molars, which Cochrane reviewers found to be more effective than
fluoride applications in preventing dental caries in children and adolescents
› The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that primary care physicians (PCPs) prescribe fluoride
supplementation starting at 6 months for children living in an area with water that is deficient in fluoride and apply fluoride
varnish to the primary teeth of infants and children beginning at tooth eruption. The USPSTF cites insufficient evidence to
assess the risks and benefits of routine screening of children for caries from birth to age 5 years by PCPs