Oral Health Screening Online Module
Section 2: Importance of Oral Health Screening
Objectives
Upon completion of this section, participants will be able to:
- Describe dental development in children
- Articulate oral health trends in children, especially among vulnerable populations
- Discuss the relationship of oral health to overall health
- Identify the importance of oral health screening
Dental Development
Tooth eruption, also known as teething, is a process that begins at about 6 months of age.. Teeth usually erupt on the upper or lower gum line, from the front to the back of the mouth. Children should have all their 20 primary teeth by age 5 or 6. Primary teeth are lost as permanent teeth erupt, a process that continues for 6 to 8 years. Permanent molars erupt at age 5 or 6.
Although there may be variation in tooth development and appearances among children, notable differences may be signs of oral health problems. Therefore, it is important for children to receive oral health screening, assessment and care from the time their first tooth erupts through development.
View graphic of Primary Dentition from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Oral Health Trends
The Surgeon General reported in 2000 that “oral health is an essential component of overall health and well-being and that a coordinated effort is needed to reduce environmental, social, educational, health system and financial barriers to achieving optimal oral health for everyone.”
Oral health problems in children account for over 51 million hours of absences per year from school. Dental caries, or tooth decay, is the most widespread and chronic infection in children; more common than asthma and hay fever. Nonetheless, it is the most preventable. In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s largest survey of the nation’s dental health in more than 25 years, reported tooth decay in young children has been on the rise. The prevalence of cavities in children ages 2 to 5 increased to 28% in 1999-2004 from 24% in 1988-1994. Children in poverty experience two times more tooth decay than their affluent peers, and their disease is more likely to go untreated. Dental health access barriers and drinking water primarily from private wells with insufficient fluoride levels also can lead to an increased risk of dental caries.
Oral diseases affect children’s ability to eat, to participate in daily activities and their overall health and social well-being. Children with chronic oral health problems may have more difficulties eating, talking, sleeping and playing. They will miss more school, activities and are at risk of failure to thrive.
Importance of Oral Health Screening
Because oral health plays a crucial role in the overall development, health and social well-being of children, it is important to screen children early for oral health problems. It is crucial to screen children who come from disadvantaged populations. These children are less likely to afford adequate oral and dental care or have access to proper screening and assessment. Primary care providers often have early access to children who are most at risk for poor oral health, hence opportunities exist for providers to screen and prevent oral health problems in the primary care setting.
Quiz
 |
 |
