Early childhood tooth decay. Pediatric interventions

Pediatricians in the greater Chicago area were surveyed to probe their awareness and approaches to management of dental caries in early childhood. A total of 298 pediatricians (21% of those surveyed) responded to the questionnaire. Ninety-five percent of the respondents stated they examined their patients' teeth; 85% considered dental examinations part of their responsibility for children under 3 years of age. However, our data suggest that many pediatricians are unaware of the decay and the dietary patterns associated with tooth decay in early childhood. Although 96% of the respondents referred patients to a dentist when decay was diagnosed, analysis of diet and dietary counseling were performed by only 61% and 65% of the respondents, respectively. Recommendations for preventive measures that can be adopted by pediatricians are offered.