Guideline on Infant Oral Health Care 7/30

Department of Pediatric Dentistry
Resident’s Name: Murphy Program: Lutheran Medical Center - Providence
Article title: Guideline on Infant Oral Health Care
Author(s): Clinical Affairs Committee of the AAPD
Journal: Pediatric Dentistry
Year. Volume (number). Page #’s: 2008. Vol. 29 No. 7. 81-84
Major topic: OHI/ECC guidelines for health care providers
Minor topic(s):
Main Purpose: Review Guidelines
Overview of method of research: Review
Findings:
Caries results from an overgrowth of specific organisms normally occurring in the human oral flora, particularly Step mutans and lactobacillus. Vertical colonization from mother to infant is well documented, and can happen as early as when the child is born. Early education for the mother can help to diminish this.

The CDC reports that caries is the most prevalent of infectious diseases in the US’s children. More than 40% of children have caries by the time they reach kindergarten. ECC, which is a particularly virulent form of caries, begins soon after tooth eruption, develops on smooth surfaces, rapidly progresses, and has a detrimental effect. The disease can affect any population, however it is 32 times MORE likely to occur in infants who are of low socioeconomic status(70% of caries lesions occurs in 20% of US kids), whose mother has a low education level, and who has a poor diet. Caries in children can cause missed school days, affect their growth, pain, possible life threatening infection, and diminish overall quality of life.

Preventive Strategies
Caries is preventable. The steps that need to be taken to prevent caries in a child start during the pre natal period. First, mom needs to be educated. No sharing utensils, no cleaning the pacifier with her mouth, no sugary or high-carb food, no bottle at bedtime, stop bottle use at 1, brush 2x daily, floss daily, use of fluoride, develop a dental home by 12 months, and need for consistent dental care. Also, the Caries Assessment Tool(CAT) can be used to give mom some tangible proof of the child’s overall caries risk.
Key points/Summary:
Recommendations
1.All primary health care prof. Who serve mothers and infants should provide parent/caregiver education on the etiology and prevention of ECC
2. The infectious and transmissible nature of bacteria that cause ECC and methods of oral health assessment(CAT), anticipatory guidance, and early intervention should be included in the curriculum of medical, nursing, and allied health prof. Programs
3. Every infant should receive a CAT by SIX MONTHS
4. Develop a dental home for baby by 12 months
5. Health care professionals and anyone involved with children should advocate for a dental home by 12 months.
Assessment of Article: Good article. No Shenanigans.