Infant oral care is the foundation on which motivation and education for oral
hygiene and various preventive dental care must be relied upon to augment the
possibility of a life free of preventable dental ailments. Dental assessments and
evaluations for children during their first year of life have been recommended by
various organizations such as the American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry and the
American Association of Paediatrics. A comprehensive infant oral health care program
may include risk assessments at regular dental visits. Preventive approaches include
topical fluoride application, sealants, parental education on the correct methods to clean
the infant’s mouth and establishing a dental home. Infant oral health is an integral part
of the general well-being of an infant as they grow. It encompasses the care of the oral
cavity and monitoring of the teeth’ development. Unfortunately, many expecting mothers,
parents and caregivers of infants often do not receive timely and accurate education
about preventive oral and dental health care. This chapter discusses the importance of
infant oral health care and its clinical implications. The transition required to maintain
oral health as an infant progress to early childhood is highlighted. Appropriate use of
topical and systemic fluoride providing timely and appropriate oral hygiene
instructions is encouraged and discussed.
Keywords: Brushing technique, Dental home, Infant oral care.
