1. Infant oral healthcare begins ideally with prenatal oral health counseling for parents. An initial oral evaluation visit should occur within 6 months of the eruption of the first primary tooth and no later than 12 months of age.
2. At the infant oral evaluation visit, the dentist should:
a. Record a thorough medical and dental history, covering the prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal periods.
b. Complete a thorough oral examination.
c. Assess the patient’s risk of developing oral and dental disease, and determine an appropriate prevention plan and interval for periodic reevaluation based on that assessment.
d. Discuss and provide anticipatory guidance regarding dental and oral development, fluoride status, non-nutritive oral habits, injury prevention, oral hygiene, and effects of diet on the dentition.
3. Dentists who perform such services for infants should be prepared to provide therapy when indicated, or should refer the patient to an appropriately trained individual for necessary treatment.
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