Prevention in Children Flashcards
What is the aim of preventive measures?
- Avoid onset/occurrence of disease
- Slow down progressive condition, so that tx not required
When should a child’s first dental visit be?
Between 6-12 months of age, after 1st tooth erupts, no later than 1 year old (within 6 months of first tooth’s eruption)
What is the recommendation for breastfeeding period?
0-6 months: exclusive breast feeding
6-12 months: continue along w introduction of complementary foods
- From 12 months of age, mothers who wish to continue breastfeeding should work closely with health practitioners to minimise potential risk of dental decay
What are the recommendations for bottle-feeding?
- Infants should not be put to sleep with bottle containing fermentable carbs
- Start to drink from cup as they approach age 1
What are the recommended amounts of juice children can consume?
<1yo: no fruit juice
1-3yo: 4 oz (<120ml)
4-6yo: 4-6 oz (120-180ml)
7-18yo: 8 oz (250ml)
How many meals should children have a day?
3 main meals with 2-3 snacks, keep sugars to meal times
Why should cups be used instead of bottles for cariogenic drinks?
Cups encourage quick drinking + lack pooling in mouth
What is the amount of toothpaste that should be used for children?
<3y/o: smear amount of 1000ppm F
- Parents brush for child
3-6y/o: pea-sized amount of 1000ppm F
- Start teaching child how to brush themselves 5 y/o onward
What are the recommendations for plaque control in children below 1 y/o?
Parents brush for child
0-6 months:
- Use gauze/finger slip toothbrush/damp washcloth to wipe alveolar ridges
- Make infant familiar with OH practices
6-8 months:
- Use nylon bristled toothbrush for teeth
- Continue use of gauze for gums
What are some forms of fluoride (systemic and topical)?
Systemic
- Water fluoridation (0.45ppm in SG)
- Supplements (for high caries risk patients who drink low/non-fluoridated water)
Topical
- Home application – toothpaste/mouthwash
- Professional application – fluoride varnish
What fluoride measures are not to be used in children <6y/o?
- Fluoride mouthrinse
- Fluoride gels
What is the fluoride varnish that is applied professionally?
Duraphat: 5% NaF, 22,600ppm F
What is the concentration of F in SDF?
44,800ppm F
What is the mode of action of SDF?
Fluoride: remineralise tooth => strengthen tooth, prevents demin
Silver: anti-bacterial => prevent caries progression
Also reduces dentine hypersensitivity
What are the indications for SDF?
- Active cavitated lesions with no pulpal involvement
- Individuals with behavioural or medical challenges
- Patients without access to dental care
What are the contraindications for SDF?
- Silver allergy
- Significant desquamative gingivitis or mucositis
- Tooth with pulpal involvement
What should be taken note of when applying SDF?
Max 1 drop per visit, not more than 5 teeth in a visit
What is the purpose of SDF?
Not usually definitive tx, aims to halt caries progression, to restore after SDF tx
What is the procedure for SDF application?
- Cotton roll isolation
- Dry tooth & apply solution onto carious lesion using microbrush/cotton pellet for 2-3min
- Blot lesion w cotton pellet to remove excess
- Evaluate 4-6 weeks later & determine if lesion arrested (will turn very black) => if no colour change, reapply
- Treated lesions can be restored after SDF tx
Knee to knee examination is most suitable for which age group?
1-3 years old
Your patient is 2 years old and presents to you with caries on her anterior teeth. You have deemed the child is uncooperative for fillings. How often should the child visit the dentist?
Every 3 months
3 year old patient presents with non-cavitated white spot lesions on anterior teeth.
- 2 older siblings have history of dental rehab under GA when they were young
- Sleeps with milk bottle containing formula milk
- Brushes twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste
What is the patient’s caries risk?
High
What are the 5 aspect of preventive treatment for children?
- Diet counselling
- Plaque control
- Fluoride
- Fissure sealant
- Timely recalls
