Optimising oral health throughout childhood: The importance of caries risk assessment and strategic interventions

Abstract

Good oral health in childhood has long-lasting beneficial effects for the rest of an individual's life, with increasing evidence of general health benefits as well. This paper provides an overview of the complex, dynamic, chronic nature of childhood caries and offers suggestions for achieving optimal oral health in children within the context of significant global changes. Maximising the effectiveness of efforts to reduce the incidence and severity of childhood caries depends on strategic application of scientific knowledge from various fields, taking into account the relevant conditions, characteristics and circumstances that influence caries development in specific individuals and population groups. © 2007 FDI/World Dental Press.