| INFANCY • BIRTH–11 MONTHS |
Interview Questions
Following are examples of questions that health professionals may use. In addition to asking these or other interview questions, discuss any issues or concerns the family has.
- Does Felicity have any teeth?
- Do you clean Alexander’s gums and teeth? How do you do that? How has this been going?
- Do you use toothpaste?
- Are you breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or both? How is feeding going?
- How well does Julia fall asleep? Do you give her a bottle in bed?
- Does Thomas use a pacifier? Does he suck his thumb or finger?
- Do you put Celeste in a safety seat when she rides in a vehicle?
- Do you have a family dentist? Did you see a dentist during your pregnancy?
- Has Carlos been to the dentist? Does he have a dental home? If not, have you made an appointment for his first dental visit?
- Has Natalie been to a health professional? If not, have you made an appointment for her first health supervision visit?
Risk Assessment
Use the risk assessment tables (Dental Caries, Periodontal Disease, Malocclusion, Injury) and Caries-Risk Assessment Tool (CAT) to assess the infant’s risk and protective factors for oral health issues.
Screening
Visually inspect the lips, tongue, teeth, gums, inside of the
cheeks, and roof of
the mouth (see Screening in Components of Oral Health Supervision).
Examination
The first oral examination should occur within 6 months of the eruption of the first primary tooth, and no later than age 12 months.