Bright Healthy Smiles for Life
We are always looking for ways to make a difference in the health and the lives of children. Dental caries (tooth decay) is actually the most common chronic illness in children; it causes a variety of health problems, often goes untreated, and can be prevented.
Children see pediatricians regularly but not a dentist, especially at young ages. “Family dentists” usually tell parents who call not to come in until age 3 or 4, but what they mean is that they will not see them until then. They don’t usually tell them that the ADA, AAP, CDC, and AAPD recommend the first visit at 12 months of age. Pediatric dentists in our area will see kids that age, but they are often overwhelmed with patients.
Research over the past decade has shown that poor oral health and the bacteria that live in the mouth as a result actually causes other health problems in children and adults, in addition to gum disease, lost teeth, nutritional problems, missed days of school, and speech problems. It has recently been recommended that pediatricians take a more active role in oral health.
We have always included oral health guidelines in our information and instruction sheets for parents according to the very latest guidelines (which have changed over the past few years) and made referrals to pediatric dentists. Over the past few years, we have asked more questions and discussed it more with parents at well visits. However, a gap in care still exists.
To meet this need, and to improve the health and lives of our children and families, we have implemented an oral health program. We began testing a pilot program in 2015 as one of our quality improvement initiatives, which included training for Dr. Pulliam and his staff. We began to fully implement the program in 2016.
Our Program: Bright Healthy Smiles for Life
Oral Health Education
We provide information and instructions at each well child visit on oral health and the latest recommendations, as well as specific handouts and booklets on oral health issues and dental care in our community. As part of our comprehensive electronic medical record, we track dental issues and referrals.
Risk Assessment
We use a process for estimating a child’s risk of tooth decay and make appropriate recommendations.
Dental Referrals
We work with dental professionals in our area who have specific expertise in the care of children.
Dental Assessments
We now examine children’s teeth for any problems or early tooth decay.
Fluoride Varnish
We provide fluoride varnish for children’s teeth right here in our office according to the latest recommendations, for those who do not already get varnish at a dental visit. Dr. Pulliam and his staff have been trained in the use of fluoride varnish. It is safe and one of the most effective ways of preventing tooth decay, especially in high risk children.
For more information, see our Varnish Information Handout and our After Varnish Instructions for care after varnish treatment.
Our oral health program is part of our comprehensive medical home care for kids. It joins our other innovative services, including Prenatal Services, Best Start Babies, Eagles Landing Breastfeeding Center, Weight Management Program, Teen Care, Transitions Program, and others.
References and More Information
USPSTF Recommends Primary Care Providers Apply Fluoride Varnish (May 2014)
Fluoride Varnish Information for Parents (AAP/Healthy Children)
Campaign for Dental Health (ilikemyteeth.org)
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Parent Website