First tooth, first visit, zero cavities: a practical approach to the infant oral health visit.

The IDA adopted a formal policy on children's oral health in 2011. There is increasing evidence to support early dental visits for children. The background to the infant oral health visit is discussed and a systematic approach to the practicalities of the visit is offered. General dental practitioners are encouraged to offer the first oral health visit before the first birthday, and this paper aims to give them practical advice concerning this visit. The feature is accompanied by a companion paper that reviews the literature pertaining to the topic, and serves to complement the recent clinical feature published in the Journal of the Irish Dental Association.

First tooth, first visit, zero cavities: a review of the evidence as it applies to Ireland.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: There is increasing evidence that the first oral health visit should occur before 12 months of age. Anecdotally, most children in Ireland are not seen at an optimal age. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To review the benefits, on both an individual and population basis, of children receiving oral healthcare before 12 months of age, and to apply the appropriate available evidence to the current oral health landscape in Ireland. RESULTS: From an individual perspective, there is published evidence of the benefits of infants attending a dentist before the age of 12 months. These benefits include the opportunity to risk assess the child, provide tailored oral health education and institute preventive care. From an oral health promotion perspective, there are additional benefits of providing population level programmes for children at an early age. CONCLUSIONS: Introduction of the first dental visit by 12 months of age should be firmly on the health agenda here in Ireland.

Oral features and dental health in Hurler Syndrome following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Hurler Syndrome is associated with a deficiency of a specific lysosomal enzyme involved in the degradation of glycosaminoglycans. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in early infancy is undertaken to help prevent the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans and improve organ function. AIM: To investigate the oral features and dental health of patients with Hurler Syndrome who have undergone successful HSCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients (median age 8.6 years) post-HSCT (mean age 9.4 months) underwent oral assessment (mean of 7.5 years post-HSCT). RESULTS: Dental development was delayed. Numerous occlusal anomalies were noted including: open-bite, class III skeletal base, dental spacing, primary molar infra-occlusion and ectopic tooth eruption. Dental anomalies included hypodontia, microdontia, enamel defects, thin tapering canine crowns, pointed molar cusps, bulbous molar crowns and molar taurodontism. Tooth roots were usually short/blunted/spindle-like in permanent molars. The prevalence of dental caries was low in the permanent dentition (mean DMFT 0.7) but high in the primary dentition (mean dmft 2.4). Oral hygiene instruction with plaque and or calculus removal was indicated in 71% of those that were dentate. CONCLUSION: Patients with Hurler Syndrome post-HSCT are likely to have delayed dental development, a malocclusion, and dental anomalies, particularly hypodontia and microdontia.

Sickle cell disease and dental treatment.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) and sickle cell trait (SCT) are found most frequently in individuals of African, Middle Eastern and Indian ethnicity. Population migration has made this disease more common worldwide, including Ireland. We present an overview of this disease, focusing on management and practical implications for dental practitioners.

Cleft palate and congenital synechiae syndrome: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: A 1-day-old baby girl with a cleft of the secondary palate and a soft tissue band connecting the upper and lower jaws and preventing mouth opening was referred to the cleft lip and palate team by her pediatrician. This case represents a further example of an interesting but rare anomaly known as congenital alveolar synechia syndrome that requires early management to allow normal feeding and oral development.