The oral examination in an infant is a rapid process but is different from that of an ordinary child:
- It is not necessary to use a dental chair and has the least preference.
- The father participates in the examination process to hold the infant still.
- During the examination too, the parents are instructed to observe oral hygiene principles in the infant.
- The infant might cry, which is favorable and helps in the oral examination.
The preferable method of examination of the infant is the knee-to-knee position, in which the parent and the dentist sit face to face. In the ideal position, their knees should touch to create a flat surface so that the child can lie down on it. The parent is responsible for holding the child’s hands, and the dentist holds the child’s head. Most infants cry a little during the examination; therefore, they open their mouths well. After completing the examination, the child is returned to the parents to embrace and calm him/her if necessary.
When Should a Child’s First Dental Examination Take Place?
The child’s first dental examination should be carried out within 6 months after the eruption of the first tooth and no more than 12 months of age. The examination should be carried out regularly in collaboration with a dentist. During the periodic examinations, attention is paid to the oral health status, the child’s diet, use of a milk bottle, and his/her risk of caries, based on which specific guidelines and instructions are provided for each child’s parents.
