initial-exam

Initial Exam

An initial exam should happen as early as six months of age, or six months after the first tooth erupts and no later that 12 months of age. Thorough medical histories of the infant and dental histories both of the mother/caregiver and infant should be recorded. It is important to ducate the caregivers in infant oral care, provide a caries risk assessment and determine an appropriate prevention plan. Referral to specialists should be evaluated, if needed.

The initial visit should consist of the following:

Thorough medical (infant) and dental (mother or primary caregiver and infant) histories.
Thorough oral examination.
Assess the child’s risk of developing oral disease using a caries risk assessment.
Providing education on infant oral health.
Providing anticipatory guidance regarding dental and oral development, fluoride status, non-nutritive sucking habits, teething, injury prevention, oral hygiene instruction, and the effects of diet on the dentition.
Determining an appropriate prevention plan and interval for periodic reevaluation based upon that assessment.
Planning for comprehensive care in accordance with accepted guidelines and periodicity schedules for pediatric oral health.
Referring patients to the appropriate health professional if intervention is necessary.

There are several techniques used for this initial exam. The one recommended is the lap-to-lap knee-to-knee where you will demonstrate oral hygiene and ask the parent to participate. Usually the child will cry and this will help in keeping the mouth open. Make sure the parent understands what you will be doing as they can be surprised.

Figure 2.