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Caries Risk Assessment and Prevention: Strategies for Head Start, Early Head Start, and WIC
Author(s) -
Kaneilis Michael J.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of public health dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1752-7325
pISSN - 0022-4006
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-7325.2000.tb03330.x
Subject(s) - head start , medicine , early head start , fluoride varnish , dentistry , head (geology) , risk assessment , early childhood caries , oral health , psychology , developmental psychology , chemistry , computer security , organic chemistry , geomorphology , computer science , varnish , geology , coating
Objective : This review updates the evidence regarding caries risk assessment for infants, toddlers, and preschool children and formulates recommendations for preventive strategies for WIC, Head Start, and Early Head Start. Methods : Literature on caries risk assessment and preventive strategies for infants, toddlers, and preschool children were reviewed and synthesized. Recommendations for WIC, Head Start, and Early Head Start were made based on the review. Result s: Individual caries risk for children in WIC, Head Start, and Early Head Start should be based on: (1) previous caries experience, (2) precavity lesions, (3) visible plaque, and (4) perceived risk by examiners. Recommended preventive strategies for WIC and Head Start populations include: (1) daily toothbrushing in Head Start centers using fluoridated toothpaste; (2) fluoride varnish application to children enrolled in WIC, Head Start, and Early Head Start; (3) use of chlorhexidine gets and varnishes (following FDA approval); and (4) increased use of sealants on children with precavity pit and fissure lesions. Conclusions : Early screening, risk assessment, and preventive programs in WIC, Head Start, and Early Head Start populations hold a great deal of promise for preventing dental decay in high‐risk children.