Keywords

carbohydrates, dental caries, diet, fluoride, fluorosis, oral health, sugars

 

Authors

  1. Marshall, Teresa A. PhD, RD/LD

Abstract

Dental caries is the primary oral disease found in children, and has significant psychosocial and systemic health implications. Dental fluorosis is less common and typically mild, but often presents an esthetic concern. The registered dietitian is in a unique position to screen the oral cavity for signs of disease, evaluate risk factors, and refer high-risk children to a dentist for diagnosis and treatment. The public health significance, etiology, dietary contributors, and assessment/prevention of both caries and fluorosis are reviewed in the article.