Oral health promotion in children and adolescents

Abstract

One of the primary goals of dental health professionals is to prevent disease in our patients. As our knowledge of the disease process improves, so does our ability to manage the consequences of disease. Oral diseases, such as dental caries, can be devastating to both children and adolescents. Dental caries may interfere with a child's ability to eat, sleep, and learn, and it can have a significant impact on their self-esteem. Because caries affects individuals disproportionately, it is essential that those at the highest risk are identified early so that preventive therapies can be targeted toward those who are most likely to benefit. This article discusses the consequences of oral diseases in school-aged children, the factors that contribute to an individual's risk for dental caries, and the most effective therapies to prevent caries in this age group.