Health professionals should select the information in this section that is most
appropriate, using clinical judgment to decide what is timely and relevant for
each individual child and family.

Family Preparation

To help prepare families for oral health supervision visits, health professionals can provide parents with a list of topics to discuss at the next visit. Topics may include the following:

• Changes in the teeth and the mouth
• Oral hygiene practices (frequency, problems)
• Use of fluoridated water for drinking, cooking, or formula preparation
• Fluoride use (fluoridated toothpaste, fluoride supplements)
• Use of bottle or cup by child
• Feeding and eating practices
• Non-nutritive sucking (pacifier, finger)
• Illnesses or infections
• Medications
• Injuries to the teeth or the mouth
• Use of tobacco by parents