A Developmental Approach to Pediatric Oral Health.

Orofacial growth and development is a complex process spanning the life course. This article provides an oral health overview in the context of overall growth, physical and social development from infancy through adolescence. It reviews oral health-specific developmental milestones during childhood (0-12 years) and adolescence (≥13 years). It examines issues particular to each age category or spanning multiple ages (eg, pediatric overweight and obesity, tobacco use, and dental trauma) in relation to oral health and development. In addition, the oral microbiome and its potential role in informing personalized oral health care across the life course is discussed.