Infant Oral Health

Question 1

What are benefits of breastfeeding?

Answer 1

1. Bonding
2. Immunologic - decreased infections from maternal antibodies
3. Metabolic- decreased risk of obesity, IBD, diabetes
4. Decreased risk of SIDS

Question 2

What can you tell a mother about breastfeeding and teeth during nutritional counseling for an infant?

Answer 2

Infants should exclusively breastfeed until 6 months, but mother should be informed that prolonged or frequent breastfeeding increases caries risk

Should avoid ad-lib nocturnal feeding after the first tooth erupts

Question 3

What benefits and challenges of pacifier use?

Answer 3

0-6months:
Reduces risk of SIDS

6+ months:
1. Malocclusion
2. Increased risk for Candidiasis
3. Increased risk for otitis media
4. Increased risk for GI

Question 4

What are some recommendations you could give regarding oral hygiene for an infant/toddler?

Answer 4

1. Encourage 2x/day with fluoride toothpaste; smear size of toothpaste until 3yo
2. Lifting the lip
3. Positioning of child
4. Bedtime routines: Brush/floss, book, bed