Despite the great strides made in eliminating caries, it continues to be the most common chronic pediatric disease in the United States. Dental hygienists and dentists have
significant roles in the provision of education to parents and/or guardians concerning pediatric oral and nutritional health. This study’s findings identified clinical aspects of oral health education in which the dental team may help mitigate the caries epidemic and limit the possibility of fluorosis. Such education includes: showing parents the recommended amount of toothpaste to use for children, having parents demonstrate the
application on a toothbrush, showing parents how to floss their child’s teeth and observe and correct them as they perform the procedures on their child or in simulation, and counseling parents about balanced, regular meals and the importance of not skipping meals