1 CE Credit

You will receive 1 unit of continuing education credit upon successful completion of this course.

---

ADA Member: $28.00
Nonmember: $42.00
Dental Team Member: $15.00

Author:

---

To see the author's profile please click on their name.
ADA, Council on Dental Practice and Saleable Materials

Learning Objectives:

---

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to do the following:

1. Explain the potential link between periodontal disease and other health problems.
2. Explain how nutrition plays a role in oral health. 
3. Describe why preventive care education is especially important for children.
4. Define baby bottle tooth decay and the problems it may lead to.
5. Define two ways in which fluoride helps prevent tooth decay.
   

Abstract:

---

Patient education for preventive care is very important because oral health has been linked to overall health. There are many resources available to help in patient education, including videos, DVDs, CD-ROMS, flip charts, models, educational pamphlets, and other teaching aids. Studies have shown a potential link between periodontal disease and other health problems, including heart disease, artery blockages, and stroke. Nutrition plays a role in oral health. For optimal oral health patients should enjoy a healthy diet that includes a variety of foods that gives the body the nutrients it needs.  It’s important to educate children about dental health, since good habits are formed early. Children need protein, vitamins, and minerals—especially calcium, phosphorus, and proper levels of fluoride—for strong, decay-resistant teeth. Baby bottle tooth decay is a dental condition that affects young children who have frequent and prolonged exposure to liquids containing sugar, such as breast milk, milk, formula, fruit juice, or other sweetened drinks. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay in two ways: topically, when applied to erupted teeth; and systemically, when ingested during tooth development.

---

Outline:

---

References:

---