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Chapter 5: Preventive Care
Introduction
The effective prevention of caries involves understanding the pathogenesis—in other words, the triad of teeth, bacteria, and sugar. (This is discussed at length in Chapter 4: Caries.)

Fortunately, the development of caries is almost completely preventable by improved nutrition and oral hygiene and regular dental care. This chapter represents an in-depth discussion of each important prevention method to guide your oral health counseling and anticipatory guidance.

Sections
1.
 Oral Hygiene
   
Brushing
   
Flossing
   
Fluoridated Toothpaste
2.
 Feeding and Nutrition Practices
3.
 Saliva
4.
 Delay Colonization
5.
 Dental Visits
6.
 Dental Sealants and Fluoride
7.
 Anticipatory Guidance by Age
8.
 Key Points
9.
 Self-Assessment Questions
 
Upon chapter completion, participants will be able to:
 
1.
 Accurately counsel families on child oral hygiene practices.
 
2.
 List infant and child nutrition practices that promote the formation of caries.
 
3.
 List practices that decrease the transmission of bacteria to children and delay oral colonization.
 
4.
 Recall the recommended timing for establishment of a dental home.
 
5.
 Discuss the placement and benefits of dental sealants.
 
6.
 Provide age-based oral health anticipatory guidance.
View the Chapter 5 Photo Gallery.