Orientational guidelines for health professionals for oral health in early childhood

Abstract

Oral health is an integral part of the general health of the individual. Most common oral conditions are dental growth and development alterations and cavities. The first ones are generally related to unhealthy oral habits, unsuitable alimentary patterns, and the late acquisition of functions like mastication that generate malocclusions. Cavities, the most frequent chronic disease in childhood, can cause severe damage in the child's health such as pain, facial infections, hospitalizations and visits to the emergency room. It is intended to propose a guideline that enables an early detection of the risk factors in early childhood cavities and malocclusions by the health professionals that are in touch with the baby and the family makes the conservation of oral health possible. It is essential that the pregnant mother has good oral health care habits and to stimulate breastfeeding as a protective factor over the general and oral health of the newborn.

Keywords

• Educación para la salud
• caries infancia temprana
• autocuidado
• maloclusión
• lactancia materna
• lactancia artificial.