Open AccessInfant oral health care: An invaluable clinical intervention
Author(s) -
Kanika Singh Dhull,
Indira,
Rachita Singh Dhull,
Bhavya Sawhney
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
indian journal of dental sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2231-2293
pISSN - 0976-4003
DOI - 10.4103/0976-4003.191736
Subject(s) - medicine , early childhood caries , intervention (counseling) , oral health , preventive care , family medicine , dental care , dentistry , health care , nursing , economics , economic growth
Dental assessments and evaluations for children during their 1st year of life have been recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Association of Pediatrics. Early dental intervention evaluates a child's risk status based on parental interviews and oral examinations. These early screenings present an opportunity to educate parents about the medical, dental, and cost benefits of preventive rather than restorative care and may be more effective in reducing early childhood caries than traditional infectious disease models. A comprehensive infant oral care program includes: (1) risk assessments at regularly scheduled dental visits, (2) preventive treatments such as fluoride varnishes or sealants, (3) parental education on the correct methods to clean the baby's mouth, and (4) establishment of dental home and use of anticipatory guidance. The present article highlights the important guidelines of infant oral health care