An infant or child’s oral health status can provide the health professional with a great deal of information about that infant’s or child’s overall health. An oral screening can reveal signs of oral habits or nutritional status and signs and symptoms of disease or trauma. (See Module 2, section 2.3.)

Module 3 describes some of the most common oral conditions and abnormalities the health professional may encounter while performing an oral screening of an infant or young child. Throughout, guidance is provided to help the health professional understand treatment options and determine whether an infant or child should be referred to a dentist for further assessment and possible intervention. More information about oral conditions and abnormalities associated with specific special health care needs is available in module 7.

©2010 National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center | Georgetown University
Credits | Site design by CADE | Disclaimer and Copyright