II. Guidelines: Prenatal (Maintain maternal Oral Health)
- Lowers infant colonization of mutans streptococci
- Refer mother for Dental Caries or Periodontal Disease
- Preventive measures
- ToothBrushing and flossing
- Fluoride mouth rinse (e.g. ACT)
- Xylitol chewing gum qid
III. Guidelines: Birth to 6 months
- Do not prop bottles
- Use only Breast Milk or formula in bottles (no juice)
- Avoid formulas that contain sucrose
IV. Guidelines: 6 months and older
- See Teething
-
Dentistry referral
- High risk for caries: Start dental visits at 1 year
- Low risk for caries: Start dental visits at 3 years (some recommend 1 year start for all children)
- Fluoride dental varnish application yearly after Tooth Eruption
-
Oral Exam at each Well Child Visit
- Child lies supine on table
- Examine from head of bed (intubation position)
- Observe for altered tooth appearance
- Yellow-Brown cavities or erosions in teeth
- White lines or spots in the enamel
- Child lies supine on table
- Preventive measures
- Introduce early Tooth Brushing
- Fluoride Supplementation if inadequate water supply
- Tooth Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Limit toothpaste amounts for young children
- Use no toothpaste or rice grain-size for under age 3 years old
- Use pea sized or less amount of toothpaste for ages 3-6 years old
- Age under 3 years: Parent brushes childs teeth without toothpaste (or rice-grain size)
- Age 3-6 years: Brush with pea-size amount of low fluoride toothpaste
- Age over 6 years: Brush with regular fluoride toothpaste
- Limit toothpaste amounts for young children
- Baby bottle related prevention
- Discontinue bottle after 12 months of age
- Avoid putting child to bed with bottle
- Encourage use of cup by age 1 year
- Wipe infant's teeth with moist cloth after feedings
- Dietary measures
- Schedule meals and snacks
- Avoid Simple Sugars outside of scheduled times
- Limit juice to <4-6 ounces per day
- Avoid carbonated beverages
- Only milk or tap water between meals