References:

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Internet Journal of Pediatrics and Neonatology

American Dental Association

w w w . m i d w e s t - d e n t a l . c o m

Infant and Children’s Oral Health

Birth to6

Months

6-12Months

12-18Months

18Months

to Age 5

Clean gums & teeth

No bottle at bedtime

Relieve teethingsymptoms withcool teethers orwashcloth

Wean from bottle and startwith cup

Drinking fromcup

Avoid spreading decaycausing bacteria fromcaregiver tochild

Check teeth at home forsuspicious areas

First Dentistvisit

Follow-up dental visits

Discuss fluoridewith Physician/Dentist

Discuss prolongedthumbsuckingwith Dentist

Begin teachingchild to brushtheir own teeth- monitor untilabout age 8

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Why Begin Dental Care by Age One?

• Establishes coordinated family-centered care by alicensed dentist

• Initiates preventive strategies during infancy andcreates opportunity to educate parents on ageappropriate care

• An infant oral health exam is simple, easy, andeffective

• Tooth decay, if left untreated even in the earlieststages of life, can have serious implications forchild’s long-term health and well-being

• Early preventive care is a sound health andeconomic investment. Dental costs are 40%lower in the first five years for children whohave their first visit before age one.

• Assures proper referral to dental specialistswhen care cannot directly be provided within the

dental home

Key Messages for Parents

• Children should visit a dentist within 6 months of theeruption of their first tooth or by age one

• Bottles at bedtime ONLY with water. Napping orsleeping with juice or milk can cause childhood decay

• Early visits create a lifetime of good habits

• Drink from a cup after age one – wean from thebottle between 12-14 months

• Thumb sucking after age 2 can create crowded,crooked teeth or bite problems – the dentist can helpwith prolonged thumb sucking habits

• No sugary substances on pacifiers

• Limit frequency of sugary snacks and juices

• Use the correct size toothbrush and only a pea-sizeamount of toothpaste for children

• Clean gums while teeth are erupting

• Parental supervision – monitor brushing and flossingwith kids up to about age 8 whentheir dexterity gets better

• Fluoride – be sure children arereceiving the proper amount –talk to your dentist

• Cavity causing bacteria can bepassed to children from adults –do not clean pacifiers or utensilswith your own mouth and thengive them to children

What will the infant oral health exam include?

• Evaluation of eruption and growth patterns –how are the teeth growing into the mouth

• Education for parents and/or caregivers onproper care for the child’s teeth and gums

• Dietary counseling – including discussion onproper foods and beverages

• Individualized preventive dental health programbased on risk for decay and gum disease

• Educational plan for acute dental trauma – whatto do should a dental emergency occur

Midwest Dental offices arefamily centered and focus onproviding care to patients ofall ages. It is very importantto establish an ongoingrelationship between adentist and patient early inlife to ensure the bestpossible oral health carefor a lifetime. Establishinga Dental Home includescomprehensive oral health

care, beginning no laterthan age one.

Remember, children often watch what you do as aparent . . . set an example by brushing, flossing, andvisiting your dentist on a regular basis!