Caries prevention

Question 1

describe the distribution of caries in Scotland in relation to children, and why this stat may be what it is

Answer 1

25% of children have 75% of the disease

often due to socio-economic status

Question 2

what is early childhood caries and what are the causes and preventative treatments?

Answer 2

often of maxillary anterior teeth and molar teeth

the cause is usually inappropriate use of feeding cups and bottles

treatment is a good diet, OHI and fluoride

Question 3

how can caries be avoided in pre-school children?

Answer 3

promote breastfeeding

feeding cup instead of a bottle should be 6 months plus

free sugar-containing drinks never in a feeder bottle or cup

not be put to bed with a feeder bottle or cup

soya milk can be cariogenic and should only be used if medically instructed to

Question 4

how should sugar be delivered to young children?

Answer 4

sweetened drinks should not be advocated

mealtimes only and dilute as much as possible

take through a straw which should be held at the back of the mouth

plain water and milk not at mealtimes

Question 5

what foods are less cariogenic that can be eaten as healthy snacks?

Answer 5

cheese, high energy and may actively prevent caries

sugar-free snacks

milk or water

fruit

savoury sandwiches

cheese and crackers

breadsticks

Question 6

how can fluoride be delivered to teeth?

Answer 6

supplementary:

• drops
• tablets
• mouthwash

toothpaste

in water

professionally delivered:

• APF gels
• varnishes
• slow-release devices

Question 7

when should tooth brushing commence? when should children start brushing their own teeth?

Answer 7

as soon as the first tooth erupts

children under 8 lack dexterity to clean their own teeth

Question 8

what ppm fluoride toothpaste should be given from 1st eruption to 3 weeks?

Answer 8

1000ppm

Question 9

what ppm fluoride toothpaste should be given from 4-16yrs?

Answer 9

1000-1500ppm

Question 10

what ppm fluoride toothpaste should be given to high risk < 10 years ?

Answer 10

1500ppm

Question 11

what ppm fluoride toothpaste should be given to high risk > 10 years?

Answer 11

2800ppm

Question 12

what ppm fluoride toothpaste should be given to high risk > 16 years?

Answer 12

2800 / 5000ppm

Question 13

what is the standard fluoride ppm and give an example of a toothpaste

Answer 13

1000-1500 ppm Colgate total

Question 14

describe good toothbrushing practise

Answer 14

spit excess, do not rinse

manual or powered are effective

small-headed manual brush

modified bass

floss in combination with brushing is best