Guidelines on Adolescent Oral Health Care

Resident’s Name: Brian Schmid DMD Date: 12/4/2009
Article title: Guidelines on Adolescent Oral Health Care
Author(s): Clinical Affairs Committee
Journal: Pediatric Dentistry
Month, Year: 2006-2007
Major topic: Adolescent health care
Type of Article: Review
Key points/Summary: Adolescent is loosely defined as patients 10-18 y.o. of which there are almost 40 million individuals in America. They have particular needs including: potentially high caries rate, increased risk for traumatic injury and periodontal disease, poor nutrition, increased esthetic desire and awareness, orthodontic treatment, dental phobia, initiation of tobacco use, pregnancy, eating disorders and unique social and psychological needs.
Fluoride supplements are recommended until age 16, after which fluoridated water and dentifrices provide appropriate systemic and topical coverage. Emphasis on oral hygiene is essential as many children will fall off the wagon come adolescence. Adolescent diet is often high in refined sugars and acdic beverages. Dietary analysis and coaching is important. Sealants are still recommended for patients of this age especially those at risk for pit and fissure caries. Recare and prophylaxis, including regular radiographs should be a part of adolescent life. In cases of ANUG or other acute soft tissue infection, referral to a specialist may be necessary; orthodontic care is often associated with periodontal disease putting adolescents at an even higher risk and necessitating even more preventive education. Evaluation of 3rd molars can be an acute or long term problem for adolescents and should be checked regularly and treated in due time. Treatment planning and referral are essential to properly treat TMJ, missing teeth or ectopically erupting teeth. A mouthguard should be fabricated for any adolescent participating in contact sports or any sport where significant oral and facial trauma is possible. The prevention of tobacco use, access t safe dental bleaching protocols, supporting positive life experiences, supporting the sometimes jarring effects of psychosial development of an adolescent and helping them transition to adult care is essential for a pediatric dentist treating an adolescent population.
Assessment of article: Very thorough and a good reference for adolescent care.