• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Guideline on the role of dental prophylaxis in pediatric dentistry. Chicago (IL): American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; 2007. 4 p. [18 references]

This is the current release of the guideline.

It updates a previously published version: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Clinical guideline on the role of dental prophylaxis in pediatric dentistry. Chicago (IL): American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; 2003. 3 p.

A periodic professional prophylaxis should be performed to:

1. Instruct the caregiver and child or adolescent in proper oral hygiene techniques
2. Remove microbial plaque and calculus
3. Polish hard surfaces to minimize the accumulation and retention of plaque
4. Remove extrinsic stain
5. Facilitate the examination of hard and soft tissues
6. Introduce dental procedures to the young child and apprehensive patient

In addition to establishing the need for a prophylaxis, the clinician should determine the most appropriate type of prophylaxis for each patient. The practitioner should select the least aggressive technique that fulfills the goals of the procedure. To minimize loss of the fluoride-rich layer of enamel during polishing, the least abrasive paste should be used with light pressure. If a rubber cup/pumice prophylaxis is performed, a topical fluoride application is recommended (Adair, 2006).

A patient's risk for caries/periodontal disease, as determined by the patient's dental provider, should help determine the interval of the prophylaxis. Patients who exhibit higher risk for developing caries and/or periodontal disease should have recall visits at intervals more frequent than every 6 months. This allows increased professional fluoride therapy application, microbial monitoring, antimicrobial therapy reapplication, and re-evaluating behavioral changes for effectiveness (United States Preventative Services Task Force, 1996). An individualized preventive plan increases the probability of good oral health by demonstrating proper oral hygiene methods and techniques and removing plaque, stain, calculus (Clerehugh & Tugnait, 2001), and the factors that influence their build-up (Roulet & Roulet-Mehrens, 1982; Hosoya & Johnston, 1989; Quirynen & Bollen, 1995).

Table: Benefits of Prophylaxis Options

None provided

All clinical guidelines are based on 2 sources of evidence: (1) the scientific literature; and (2) experts in the field.

• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Guideline on the role of dental prophylaxis in pediatric dentistry. Chicago (IL): American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; 2007. 4 p. [18 references]

The guideline is based in part on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's (AAPD's) Policy Statement on the Use of a Caries-risk Assessment Tool (CAT) for Infants, Children, and Adolescents and the American Academy of Periodontics' (AAP) "Periodontal Diseases in Children and Adolescents."

1986 (revised 2007 Jan)

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry - Professional Association

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Clinical Affairs Committee

The Council on Clinical Affairs and Council on Scientific Affairs are comprised of pediatric dentists representing the six geographical districts of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) along with additional consultants confirmed by the Board of Trustees.

Council members and consultants were asked to disclose potential conflicts of interest. None was identified.

This is the current release of the guideline.

It updates a previously published version: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Clinical guideline on the role of dental prophylaxis in pediatric dentistry. Chicago (IL): American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; 2003. 3 p.

None available

This NGC summary was completed by ECRI on March 7, 2005. The information was verified by the guideline developer on April 18, 2005. This summary was updated by ECRI Institute on April 3, 2008. The updated information was verified by the guideline developer on April 30, 2008.

This summary is based on the original guideline, which is subject to the guideline developer's copyright restrictions.