PubMed · 2000 · 34 citations · 0 references
DentistryPediatric DentistryPreventive DentistryChild Oral HealthInfant Oral HealthPediatric Dental HygieneInfant Oral ExaminationOral CareOral Disease PreventionPediatric Oral HealthPreventive Dental Care For InfantsPreventive Dentistry For ChildrenAnticipatory Guidance For ParentsDietary Carbohydrate IntakeEarly Childhood Oral CareInfant Oral DevelopmentOral Health Status EvaluationOral Hygiene During Primary Tooth EruptionPreventive Oral ExaminationsPreventive Pediatric Dentistry
If appropriate measures are applied early enough, it may be possible to totally prevent oral disease. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that infants be scheduled for an initial oral evaluation within six months of the eruption of the first primary tooth but by no later than 12 months of age. The rationale for this recommendation is provided, although the recommendation itself is not universally accepted. Specific recommendations include elimination of bottles in bed, early use of soft-bristled toothbrushes (with parental supervision) and limitation of high-carbohydrate food intake after teeth have been brushed.