Infant oral health - A challenge for primary care physicians

Abstract

Objectives: Review the main recommendations evidence based to prevent ECC in primary health care. Data Sources: PubMed, National Library of Guidelines, National Guideline Clearinghouse,The Cochrane Library,CMA,DARE, TRIP Database, Bandolier. Review Methods: Articleswere searched using the following key words (MeSH terms): Dental caries, Infant, Primary Health Care. The search was limited to guidelines, meta-analysis; systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials, articles written in English and Portuguese, with abstract available published between January 2005 and November 2008.To evaluate the level of evidence, the rating system of the American Family Physician (Strength Of Recommendation Taxonomy - SORT) was used. Results: Of 54 considered articles, there were selected 17 of which 12 Guidelines, a systematic review and 4 randomized controlled trials.The effective strategies for preventing ECC are general anticipatory guidance to prevent early colonization, cleansing the infants teeth as soon as they erupt, providing education on the cariogenicity of certain foods and beverages, evaluating and optimizing fluoride exposure and early establishment of a dental home (early diagnosis/at risk). Conclusions: The Family Physician/Paediatrician is frequently the first and the only professional of health to observe and accompanying the development of the children. He has therefore an important paper in the prevention of the ECC by providing general anticipatory guidance, oral health risk assessment and early establishment of a dental home.