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- Although preventive practices have dramatically
reduced oral disease in some U.S. populations during
the last several decades, preventable oral diseases
still afflict many U.S. children, especially children
from families with low incomes, children in certain
minority groups, and children with special health
care needs.[2]
- Poor oral health can profoundly affect an infant’s
or child’s health and well-being.
- Understanding how infants’ and young children’s
oral health is related to their general health will
help health professionals interpret the possible
causes of oral health problems and their affect
on general health.
- Health professionals can help ensure that infants
and young children receive the care they need by
referring infants to a dentist for an oral examination
within 6 months of the eruption of the first primary
tooth, and no later than age 12 months[1],
and by establishing the child’s dental home.
- Health professionals can promote the oral health
of infants and children by learning about oral development,
oral disease, oral hygiene, fluoride, nutrition,
and injury and violence prevention and by sharing
information with parents and working in partnership
with oral health professionals.
 
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