Infant oral health care :
Black and white baby toddlers brushing teeth. Isolated on white background.
Objectives of infant examination
- To record any abnormalities of tooth eruption and soft tissues
- Presence of plaque on the teeth
- Presence of white spots or demineralised areas
- Presence of cavities
- To record any developmental abnormalities like epstein’s pearl and bohn’s nodules
The examination procedure:
Armamentarium:
- Light source
- Mouth mirror
- Soft bristled toothbrush
- Gloves
Method:
The examination room table can be used for examination. Alternate and the most often used method is knee- to – knee position.
Knee to knee position:
- The dentist and parent sit facing each other in a chair or a stool, with knees touching.
- The parent slowly places the infant in the cradle formed by the legs.
- The child’s head is placed gently in the lap of the dentist.
- The parent gently restricts the infant’s legs under his or her arms and holds the arms and hand of the infant.
- The advantage of this position is that the infant is well supported and stable and the dentist has good visibility and access to the mouth. Parental contact has a calming reassurance to the child.
The behavior of the child, less than 3 years, varies widely during this examination procedure. Crying is a normal response to oral manipulation at this time. Parents must be reassured about this prior to the infant examination.