Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
10:42
Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
Published on: December 31, 2017
When should children have their first dental visit?
Martin E Donaldson1, Sanford J Fenton
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health, University of Tennessee, College of Dentistry, USA.
The Journal of the Tennessee Dental Association
|August 10, 2006
Summary
Establishing a dental home for infants is key to preventing early childhood caries and harmful oral microflora. This approach empowers parents with anticipatory guidance for optimal infant oral health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Public Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Early childhood caries (ECC) pose a significant threat to infant oral health.
- The oral microbiome in infants is susceptible to colonization by cariogenic bacteria.
- Parental engagement is crucial for effective oral hygiene practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the primary objectives of comprehensive infant oral health care.
- To emphasize the importance of early intervention in preventing dental caries.
- To highlight the role of anticipatory guidance in parental education.
Main Methods:
- This is a summary of established goals and principles in infant oral health care.
- It synthesizes current recommendations for pediatric dental practice.
- No specific experimental methods were employed; it is a statement of objectives.
Main Results:
- The primary goal is to break the cycle of early childhood caries.
- Disrupting the acquisition of harmful oral microflora is essential.
- Establishing a dental home ensures continuous risk assessment and management.
- Optimal fluoride use and anticipatory guidance empower parents.
Conclusions:
- Infant oral health care requires a multi-faceted approach.
- Early establishment of a dental home is fundamental for lifelong oral wellness.
- Parental education and guidance are critical components of preventive pediatric dentistry.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
01:15Teeth
The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
01:14Piaget's Stage 1 of Cognitive Development
The sensorimotor stage, the initial phase of Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, spans the first two years of a child's life. During this period, infants actively engage with their surroundings, building cognitive awareness through direct interaction with the world. This interaction is primarily based on sensory perception and motor actions, allowing infants to gradually understand basic physical properties and predict how objects interact within their environment.
Exploration...
Exploration...
01:22Language Development
Children master language quickly and with relative ease, supported by both biological predisposition and reinforcement. B. F. Skinner (1957) proposed that language is learned through reinforcement, while Noam Chomsky (1965) argued that language acquisition mechanisms are biologically determined.
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.