Infant oral health and oral habits.
Many oral diseases and conditions, including dental caries (cavities) and malocclusions, have their origins early in life. Prudent anticipatory guidance by the medical and dental professions can help prevent many of the more common oral health problems. This article provides information on the rationale for early dental examination and instructions for pediatric and family practitioners in scheduling and conducting an early oral intervention appointment. In addition, feeding practices, non-nutritive sucking, mouth breathing, and bruxing are discussed, including their effects on orofacial growth and development.
Nowak
A J
AJ
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Iowa College of Dentistry, Iowa City, USA. arthur-nowak@uiowa.edu
Warren
J J
JJ
D019140:Dental Care for Children / Q000379:methods*; D004037:Diet, Cariogenic; D005260:Female; D005386:Fingersucking; D006184:Habits; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009909:Oral Health; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010377:Pediatric Dentistry / Q000379:methods*; D011313:Preventive Dentistry / Q000379:methods*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology