Infant and Children's Oral Health

Injury Prevention

Injuries to the head, face and mouth are common among infants and children. Infants and toddlers will fall when crawling or walking, bump into furniture or a wall when running. Protect your child from facial trauma and injury by safeguarding your surroundings and practicing safety habits. Learn how to prevent oral injuries and handle dental emergencies.

Birth to 6 months of age:

  • When changing your baby or when they are in high places, protect them with one hand
  • Do not use an infant walker at any age
  • Always use a safety seat when traveling in a car. Be sure it is installed and used correctly at all times.

6 – 18 months of age:

  • Protect your baby with one hand when they are in high places and when changing diapers.
  • Do not use an infant walker at any age
  • Always use a safety seat when traveling in a car. Be sure it is installed and used correctly at all times
  • Install gates at the top and bottom of stairs and safety devices on windows. Closely monitor your child when he/she is on the stairs.
  • Keep pet food and dishes out of reach
  • Childproof your house. Use safety locks on cabinets
  • Provide your child's caregivers with emergency phone contact numbers including your dentist's number. Ensure caregivers are familiar with handling oral health emergencies.

Age 4-10

  • Ensure your child is wearing a safety belt while driving or riding in the car
  • Ensure your child is wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle, skateboard or in-line skates.
  • Ensure your child wears appropriate play and athletic protective gear (i.e., mouth guard, face protector, helmet) when participating in sports or activities that could result in an injury to the mouth.

Adolescence

  • Ensure your child is wearing a safety belt while driving or riding in the car. If your adolescent is driving, insist that their passengers also wear safety belts. Follow the speed limit.
  • Ensure your child is wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle, skateboard, in-line skates, motorcycle or an all terrain vehicle (ATV).
  • Ensure your child wears appropriate play and athletic protective gear, including mouth guards.