284H
Fig. 7.4 Bitewing radiographs of a 4-
year-old child. The caries in the upper
right molars would be clinically obvious
but the early approximal lesions in the
lower left molars would not. Bitewing
radiographs not only enable an accurate
diagnosis, but early lesions can be
compared on successive radiographs to
enable a judgement to made about caries
activity and progression.7.6 PREVENTIVE CARE
7.6.0 Introduction
Preventive measures are the cornerstone to the management of dental caries in
children. There is often a failure to appreciate that those aspects of care we refer to as
prevention are actually a fundamental part of the treatment of dental caries. Repairing
the damage caused by dental caries is also important, but this will only be successful
if the causes of that damage have been addressed. A good analogy is that of a burning
house. Repairing the house (new windows, roof, furniture, etc.) is important, but all
this will be of little benefit in the long term if the fire has not been put out! A
structured approach to prevention should form a key part of the management of every
preschool child.
Key Point
- Preventive measures are the cornerstone to the successful treatment of dental caries
in children.
7.6.1 Fluorides
Self-administered
FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE
Parents should be advised to start brushing their child's teeth with a fluoride
toothpaste as soon as the first tooth erupts, at around 6 months of age. For children
considered to be at low risk of developing caries a toothpaste containing 450-600