Baby teeth are important!
Parents'/caregivers' oral health affects baby's oral health.
Parents/caregivers should obtain regular dental checkup and get treatment if necessary.
Schedule child's first dental appointment by age one.
Use of fluorides, including tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste, is the most effective way to prevent tooth decay.
Oral Health and Hygiene
Encourage parents/caregivers to maintain good oral health and get treatment, if necessary, to reduce spread of bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
Encourage parents/caregivers to avoid sharing with their child things that have been in their mouths.
Review parent's/caregiver's role in brushing toddler's teeth.
Discuss brush and toothpaste selection.
Problem solve on oral hygiene issues.
Schedule child's first dental visit by age one.
Oral Development
Emphasize importance of baby teeth for chewing, speaking, jaw development and self-esteem.
Discuss teething and ways to soothe sore gums, such as teething rings, washcloths.
Fluoride Adequacy
Re-evaluate fluoride status in residential water supply.
Review topical and systemic sources of fluoride.
Encourage drinking fluoridated tap water.
Review need for topical fluorides.
Oral Habits
Remind mother that removing child from breast after feeding and wiping baby's gums/teeth with damp washcloth reduces the risk of ECC.
Begins weaning of non-nutritive sucking habits at two years old.
Diet and Nutrition
Remind parents/caregivers never to put baby to bed with a bottle with anything other than water in it or to allow feeding 'at will'.
Discuss healthy diet and oral health.
Emphasize that it is the frequency of exposures, not the amount of sugar that affects susceptibility to caries.
Review snack choices and encourage healthy snacks.
Injury Prevention
Encourage child-proofing of home including electrical cord safety and poison control.
Emphasize use of properly secured car seat.
Emphasize use of helmet when child is riding tri-bicycle or in the seat of adult bike.
Encourage caregivers to keep emergency numbers handy.
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