4: prevention Flashcards
what is dental caries?
a disease of the dental hard tissues caused by the action of microorganisms found in plaque, on fermentable carbohydrates
what are the impacts of caries on pre-school children?
aesthetic problems
loss of function
pain
infection
what are risk indicators in children?
O.H diet bacterial exposure socioeconomic status breast/bottle feeding fluoride exposure parental smoking parental oral health status
what teeth do early childhood caries typically affect?
upper anterior and molar teeth
what is the typical cause of nursing caries?
inappropriate use of feeding cups & bottles
how can caries be prevented?
diet
fluoride
oral hygiene
is there any benefit to pregnant women taking fluoride supplements?
no
what advice should be given to avoid early childhood caries?
feeding cup not bottle from 6 months
no drinks with free sugars in bottle
no bottles in bed
soy milk can be cariogenic- only is medically indicated
how to reduce the impact of sweetened drinks
mealtimes only
dilute as much as possible
straw at back of mouth
what drinks are safe between meals?
plain water or milk
what can be done about sugar containing medicines?
sugar free when available
doses given at mealtimes and never after brushing at night
what food is good for toddlers and why?
cheese
high energy
non-cariogenic
may protect against caries
what are safe snacks?
milk/water fruit savoury sandwiches crackers and cheese bread sticks crisps
how can fluoride be taken in?
water toothpaste supplementary self delivered -drops -tablets -mouthrinse professionally delivered -APF gels -varnishes -slow-release devices
when should toothbrushing begin in children?
as soon as 1st primary molars erupt
what age can children brush their own teeth?
over 8
what is the fluoride formulation in child toothpaste?
1000ppm
what is the fluoride formulation in standard toothpaste?
1400-1500ppm
what is the fluoride formulation in enhanced fluoride (duraphat)?
2800ppm
what ppmF should be used from 1st eruption to 3 years?
1000ppm
what ppmF should be used for 4-16 years?
1000-1500ppm
what ppmF should be used for high risk children under 10 years?
1500ppm
what ppmF should be used for high risk children over 10 years?
2800ppm
what ppmF should be used for high risk children over 16 years?
5000ppm
how much toothpaste should children under 3 use?
smear (0.1ml)
how much toothpaste should children over 3 use?
pea-sized (0.25ml)
what age can children use a fluoride mouthrinse?
over 6
-should assess ability to expectorate
what are professionally applied fluorides?
APF gels
varnishes-every 4 to 6 months for high risk childen
when can fluoride varnish be used?
x2 yearly for pre-school children assessed as being high risk for caries
for high risk adults
what are the 2 methods of community based prevention?
health education
health promotion
what is health education?
a process that results in individuals/ groups having increased knowledge related to health
what is health promotion?
supports individuals in translating health knowledge into good behaviours and lifestyles
what is the goal of oral health promotion programmes?
to reduce the risk of early childhood caries
-available for parents during pregnancy and postnatal
when should OHPP begin for young children?
before the age of 3
what should OHPP address?
environmental, public and social policy changes in order to support behaviour change
when should bitewings be taken and why?
every 6 months for high risk
every 12-18 months low risk
60% interproximal caries if not taken
