Module 4: What to Do and How to Do It
4.3 What is an Oral Health Screening? (continued)
Photographs of tooth development, past history of tooth decay, tooth decay, and dental sealants can help professionals screen infants and children.
- Note whether any teeth appear to have developmental problems.
- Note whether any teeth have untreated decay. Tooth decay may occur on any tooth surface. Tooth decay initially appears as a chalky white area on the enamel. More advanced tooth decay appears as cavities or stains. When decay is observed, refer the infant or child to a dentist. Discolored teeth may be difficult to distinguish from stains associated with tooth decay. When in doubt, refer the infant or child to a dentist.
- Note whether any dental trauma has occurred. If the teeth are prematurely missing, refer the infant or child to a dentist for possible space management. If trauma may be the result of physical abuse, record observations and call the local social service agency.
After completing the screening, professionals should fill out the oral health screening clinical findings section of the Oral Health Risk Assessment, Screening, and Follow-Up form (.pdf), which should then be kept in the infant’s or child’s health record.
Tooth
Development (.pdf)
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