AAP and CPS Recommendations on Dental Care

In a new policy statement, "Early Childhood Caries in Indigenous Communities," were provided recommendations for the prevention of dental disease in young children and pregnant women.

AAP and CPS recommendations are as follows:

• Use well-child visits to educate parents and caregivers of infants and children on proper oral hygiene and diet.
• Promote supervised use of fluoridated toothpaste in all indigenous and other high-risk children after the first tooth has erupted.
• Provide pregnant indigenous women access to prenatal screening for dental health, and referral for dental care if needed.


• Ensure that indigenous children have access to fluoride varnish programs and other oral health prevention and treatment services.

"AAP and CPS statements are read not only by pediatricians, but also by family physicians, nurse practitioners, community health nurses, physician assistants, and other health professionals," said Dr. James Irvine, MD, FRCPC.

 "The role that primary care pediatricians and other providers play in various indigenous communities in North America place them in a unique position to complement the work of our dental health professional colleagues."

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics; Canadian Pediatric Society