Prevention/advice Flashcards
What are dental caries
A disease of the dental hard tissues caused by the action of microorganisms, found in plaque, on fermentable carbohydrates
How are caries distributed
Strongly related to poverty
What are the risk indicators for caries in children
Oral hygiene
Diet
Bacterial exposure
Socioeconomic status
Breast/bottle feeding
Fluoride exposure
Parental smoking
Parental oral health status
Where do nursing caries usually affect
Upper anterior and molar teeth
How can we prevent caries
Altering diet
Increasing fluoride use
Improving oral hygeine
Is there benefit to the child taking fluoride during preganancy
No
What instructions can be given to parents with young/new children in respect to diet
Use of a feeding cup rather than a bottle should be recommended from 6 months (free-flow spout).
Drinks containing free sugars should never be put in a feeder bottle.
Children should not be put to bed with a feeder bottle or cup.
Soya milk formula is potentially cariogenic and should only be used when medically indicated.
What are the recommendations for consumption of sweetened drinks
-mealtimes only
-dilute as much as possible
-take through a straw which should be held at the back of the mouth
What are the safe drinks to have between meals
Plain water or milk
What are some safe snacks
Milk/water.
Fruit.
Savoury sandwiches.
Crackers and cheese.
Bread sticks.
Where in scotland has fluoridated water
Nowhere
At what age have children developed the dexterity to brush their own teeth effectively
Age 8
What us the standard fluoride composition of toothpastes in scotland
1400-1500ppm
What is the recommended fluoride comp for 4-16 yr olds
1000-1500
What fluoride toothpaste should high risk kids under 10 use
1500ppm
What fluoride comp toothpaste should high risk kids over 10 use
2800ppm
If you are over 16 and high risk for caries what fluoride composition toothpaste should you use
5000ppm (perscription only)
How much toothpaste would a 2,4 and 6 year old need to ingest to have ingested a toxic dose
2 yr old - 60% tube
4 yr old - 75% tube
6 yr old - 100% tube
How can you manage fluoride toxicity
<5mg/kg Give calcium orally (milk) and observe for a few hours.
5-15mg/kg Give calcium orally (milk, calcium gluconate, calcium lactate) and admit to hospital.
> 15mg/kg Admit to hospital immediately, cardiac monitoring and life support, intravenous calcium gluconate.
What dose of fluoride tablets can be perscribed to 6m-3y, 3y-6y, 6y+
6m-3y 0.25 mg/d
3y-6y 0.5mg/d
6y+ 1mg/d
Who can use fluoride mouthrinse
Not recommended for children under the age of 6
Even over 6 need to assess the child’s ability to properly expectorate
What are the timelines or application of fluoride varnishes
Can be applied every four to six months
What is health education
Is a process that results in individuals or groups having increased knowledge related to health.
When should radiographs be taken to check for caries
Bitewings every 6 months for high risk children.
Every 12-18 months for low risk.
Miss 60% of interproximal caries if do not take bitewings.
What is fluorosis
Enamel defect on surface or subsurface of teeth caused by too much fluoride when teeth are developing
