Role of paediatricians in oral disease prevention

Abstract

Oral diseases pose a major health burden, especially in children, causing pain, discomfort, disfigurement and also affecting the quality of life. Most of the oral diseases are preventable by early diagnosis, thereby achieving standard oral and dental healthcare in children. The paediatricians due to the unique position, they occupy in child care, are invaluable in diagnosing the early changes in dental and facial structures. Oral health awareness among paediatricians and implementation of their oral health-related knowledge in their practice can have a significant impact on prevention of oral disease in children. This review discusses the common oral conditions in children such as early childhood caries, childhood oral habits and dentofacial abnormalities in children and the role of the paediatrician.