American Academy of Pediatrics Issues Updated Policy Statement on Oral Health

The American Academy of Pediatrics, a professional organization that represents American pediatricians, released an updated statement on oral health in December. The academy’s new policy statement, “Maintaining and Improving the Oral Health of Young Children,” describes the pediatrician’s role in emphasizing the importance of early oral health practices to parents/ caregivers.

At present, early childhood caries (ECC) is the most common oral disease experienced by children. The updated statement outlines ways pediatricians can help their patients prevent, manage, and possibly reverse caries lesions. Providing patient-specific anticipatory guidance, encouraging parents to model good oral hygiene habits, and emphasizing the importance of wearing mouthguards to young athletes are also recommended as ways pediatricians can help children improve their oral health.

From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. February 2015;13(2):14.