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Dental Home
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) all recommend establishing a "Dental Home" for your child by one year of age.
The Dental Home is intended to provide a place other than the
Pleasant First Visit
When the child is seen at one year, the first visit can be
pleasant and uneventful, introducing the child and parents to
the dental office. Emphasis is on the developmental
assessment of the childs oral health. Caries (tooth
decay) or
developmental disturbances can be managed early. Fluoride
varnish may be applied to counteract beginning decay on newly
erupted teeth.
Five Steps for Babys
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Step 1
Clinical Examination by |
Complete medical history Knee-to-knee exam with guardian Note clinical dental caries Soft tissue irregularities White-spot lesions, tongue anatomy Enamel decalcification, hypoplasia Dietary staining |
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Step 2 Caries Risk Assessment |
Bottle or breast fed at night on demand Non-water in bedtime bottle Decalcification/caries present No oral home care Sugary foods, snacks |
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Step 3 Diet Counseling for Infants |
No juice or milk in bed Sippy cups can encourage decay Avoid sugar drinks, sodas Encourage variety and a balanced diet Low-sugar snacks Fluorides topical and systemic |
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Step 4 Oral Home Care for Infants |
Brush/massage teeth and gums 2x daily Small, soft toothbrush Tiny amount of toothpaste, with Fluoride Guidance on thumb sucking, pacifier Response for home accidents, trauma |
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Step 5 Future visits |
Based on Risk Assessment At age one year Two years if delayed in development |
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Dentists4kids.com - Directory of Pediatric Dentists |
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