Abstract |
Family physicians care for infants and toddlers during a critical period for dental health, and before most children have seen a dentist. The risk of dental disease can be reduced in children by encouraging appropriate diet and hygiene, avoidance of harmful bottle habits, optimal fluoride intake and application of dental sealants to permanent posterior teeth. Fluoride effectively reduces dental caries, but combined intake from water, beverages, foods, dentifrices and inappropriate supplementation has led to an increase in dental fluorosis. New guidelines for fluoride use recommend that fluoride supplementation be delayed until the child is six months of age. Physicians can provide parents with valuable counsel related to teething concerns, thumb-sucking and prevention of dental trauma and disease.
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Authors | M M Clark, M M Album, R W Lloyd |
Journal | American family physician
(Am Fam Physician)
Vol. 53
Issue 2
Pg. 619-26, 631-2
(Feb 01 1996)
ISSN: 0002-838X [Print] United States |
PMID | 8629542
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
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Topics |
- Dentistry
- Family Practice
- Humans
- Pediatrics
- Primary Prevention
- Tooth Diseases
(prevention & control)
- United States
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