Do you know? 89% children visit a paediatrician whereas only 1.5% visit the dentist annually. Paediatricians are in a unique position to diagnose oral diseases. Read more: https://dentalreach.today/articles
Why pediatricians matter in oral-health prevention
Children commonly see a pediatrician several times before establishing a dental home. These visits create opportunities to identify caries risk, counsel caregivers and refer children before pain or infection develops. Medical and dental teams are complementary: pediatric screening does not replace a comprehensive dental examination.
A practical oral-health screen
- Ask about feeding patterns, frequent sugary drinks or snacks, fluoride exposure, brushing and previous dental visits.
- Look for visible plaque, white-spot lesions, cavitation, dental trauma, enamel defects, oral infection or pain.
- Assess risk factors such as previous caries, special healthcare needs, xerostomia-producing medicines and caregiver caries experience.
- Confirm twice-daily brushing with an age-appropriate amount of fluoridated toothpaste and caregiver assistance.
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