Since Jessie is at high risk for caries, she should receive at least three fluoride varnish applications a year that can easily be applied by medical healthcare professionals as well as dental healthcare professionals. Additionally, the use of fluoridated toothpaste needs to be addressed, as well as fluoride supplements, and the daily, thorough brushing of Jessie's teeth. Betsy must be encouraged to have her own dental caries taken care of, also.

Betsy should also be shown how to "Lift the Lip" on a monthly basis. She should lift Jessie's upper lip to above the gingival margin to observe if she sees any chalky, white opaque areas on Jessie's teeth that would be indicative of the white spot lesions just discussed. Early interception is the key to preventing further disease in her baby's mouth. As with all the information presented thus far in this course, this procedure can be taught to parents by BOTH dental AND medical healthcare professionals.

A topical application of fluoride varnish to the exterior surfaces of Jessie's teeth can retard, arrest and reverse the caries process in the early lesions she presently has if used in conjunction with proper tooth cleaning. Part Two of this online course will discuss the use of fluoride varnishes.