Overall

 Oral Health in Primary Care

• Oral health screening recommended at age 1 year
• Children typically begin to see dentist at age 3 to 6 years
• Pediatric clinicians can provide initial screening and care for oral health at health maintenance visits (6 in year 1, 3 in year 2)
• Counseling about prevention
• Analysis of children's risk factors for ECC
• Possible interventions, such as applying fluoride varnish
• Clinicians should recommend dentist and help reduce barriers to care for children at high risk of ECC

Items to Remember

• Genetic malformations of enamel are extremely rare
• Prenatal exposure to medications are not a major cause of early caries
• Fluorosis rarely occurs in baby teeth
• Cavities are most likely due to diet and feeding, not tooth brushing technique

All health professionals have a shared responsibility to recognize and discuss oral disease with patients and their families/caregivers. The knowledge and skills of non-dental health professionals can help patients and caregivers improve oral health. They can assist with home care and accessing dental treatment.