Information for health care providers | Concern for children's oral health is not just for dental professionals. Other healthcare professionals can familiarize themselves with what to look for in assessing the oral health of children in their care. However, children are more likely to have a medical visit than a dental visit at an early age. Children should visit the dentist starting at the age of one. Talk with parents to make sure that they are brushing their children's teeth with a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste.
To prevent and control dental decay, fluorides are effective and safe. Water fluoridation is the most cost effective public health means of improving the oral health of a population. Approximately 75% of King County's population are on fluoridated water systems. Fluoride's greatest effect comes from its topical interaction with the tooth surface and daily use of fluoride toothpaste is an important step in preventing decay. Topical fluoride for home use is available in other forms that a dental professional may recommend. Additionally, a dental professional may apply high-concentration fluoride treatments as a preventive treatment. These fluoride treatments come as gels, foams or varnishes.
In conjunction with the Seattle-King County Dental Society, the King County Hazardous Waste Program is promoting a program called EnviroStars to help King County dentists manage waste materials from dental offices. The program specifically looks at the handling of amalgam waste and wastewater, cleaning and disinfectant solutions, x-ray solutions and typical office recycling materials. To find out more about the program call EnviroStars at 1-877-220-7827. |
