As more research sheds light on the effects of early life experiences, leading experts are focusing on prevention and health care, including activities that promote oral health during preconception, pregnancy, and the first 3 years of life. Lifelong health determinants are being established from the moment of conception. Emerging strategies for addressing these problems focus on innovative models for health care delivery and financing, as well as new, less invasive approaches to treatment and a greater emphasis on prevention. A pattern of disparities persists in which children from lower-income and minority racial and ethnic groups generally experience more disease and have less access to treatment.
But despite recent encouraging reductions in tooth decay, particularly among younger children, dental caries remains one of the most common diseases of childhood.
This investment in research has led to interventions promoting health and improving access to dental services for young children with the hope that such interventions will translate into improved health for all children later in adulthood.Ĭhildren’s oral health has benefited from several advances that have led to better understanding of disease processes and ultimately, to more effective prevention and treatment, especially for preschool children.
Substantial resources have been invested in research to better understand the factors that affect oral health in children, particularly among preschool children, mothers, and caregivers. Consequently, children have been the primary focus for those involved in promoting good oral health and in developing approaches to prevent oral disease. Just as early growth and development predict many aspects of health throughout life, oral health in infancy and early childhood is the precursor to good oral health at later stages of life. Current Knowledge, Practice, and Perspectives
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