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Dental care - child

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Infant dental care
Infant dental care

Definition    Return to top

Proper care of your child's teeth and gums includes brushing and rinsing, routine dental exams, and any necessary treatments such as fluoride, extractions, fillings, or braces and other orthodontics.

See also: Dental care - adult

Information    Return to top

Healthy teeth and gums are essential to your child's overall good health. Injured, diseased, or poorly developed teeth can result in poor nutrition, painful and dangerous infections, and problems with speech development and self-image.

CARING FOR AN INFANT'S TEETH

Even though newborns and infants do not have teeth, it is important to take care of their mouth and gums. Follow these tips:

THE FIRST TRIP TO THE DENTIST

CARING FOR A CHILD'S TEETH

If your child loses an adult (permanent) tooth during a fall or other injury, see broken or knocked out tooth for first aid instructions. If you act quickly, you can often save the tooth.

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Teach children to brush

References    Return to top

Douglass JM. A practical guide to infant oral health. Am Fam Physician. 2004; 70(11): 2113-2120.

Hale KJ. American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Pediatric Dentistry. Oral health risk assessment timing and establishment of the dental home. Pediatrics. 2003; 111(5 Pt 1): 1113-1116.

Update Date: 5/28/2008

Updated by: Jason S. Baker, DMD, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Private Practice, Yonkers, New York. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.