Cavities are the most common chronic disease of childhood, disproportionate affecting low income groups. Dr. Amrinderbir Singh, from the USask College of Dentistry and Director of Inclusive Community Care, says that nearly one out of three children in Saskatchewan entering Grade One have experienced tooth decay, and more children require treatment under general anesthesia than any other province.

That’s where an assessment tool comes in for doctors and nurses seeing children at their regular medical visits. A USask research team is partnering with the Saskatoon Westside Community Clinic to train primary health care practitioners to implement the new Canadian Caries Risk Assessment Tool. Caries is another word for cavities.

Dr. Singh says the assessment includes the teeth cleaning habits of the child, their daily exposure to fluoride, what they eat, visible plaque or food debris and whether there is any dental decay. He stresses that good oral health in infancy and childhood is extremely important for overall health and well being, and it’s a building block for a disease-free life.