Using evidence to support oral health in children

It is now generally accepted that good oral health is a necessary part of good general health and wellbeing. Evidence-based health messages, coupled with a planned approach to delivery, can provide consistent and effective messages to the population.

Data on health can inform the practice of a dental professional. Knowing where to find this and understanding the type of data available could help dental professionals to work as part of a wider team, involving other healthcare professionals, towards targeting those with unmet needs.

Much of the evidence on oral health advice or promotion relates to dental caries and evidence-based oral health messages are published for use by dental teams. Increasingly, within younger age groups tobacco and alcohol brief interventions may be required and can be delivered through collaboration with agencies and healthcare workers who support children and young adults.