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The review of the 2001 National Survey of children by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry showed that about 9.4 million US children which stands about 13% had signs of SHCN (Special Health Care Needs) and among the native American children and those who live in poverty, it's prevalence is maximum. Also dental care was reported to be the most needed service required to be given. Economics, family time requirements and employment patterns had a significant impact on the SHCN children.

Some guidelines for dental care of your baby

Following are some guidelines which you need to follow for maintaining your child's dental health:

• A dentist should be visited within the first year after the first tooth comes out by 6 to 12 months because an early preventive care will ensure and protect your child's life long smile. After all prevention is better than cure.
• Early childhood caries also known as nursing caries or baby bottle tooth decay is a big concern for the new mothers. There are severe risks of tooth decay from using bottle while taking a nap or while they are being nursed continuously from the breast. A child with a healthy teeth can chew the food easily and also learn how to speak properly.
• The child should always be encouraged to drink from a cup after they become a year old. drinking juice from a bottle should be avoided and should be drunk in a cup. Breast feeding should be avoided in the night when the first primary teeth are seen.The child should be encouraged to leave his feeding bottle after he becomes 12 to 14 months old.
• Prolonged thumb sucking usually result in crowded, crooked teeth or may cause a bite problem.
• The child's gum should be cleaned only with a soft infant toothbrush and water. Most children don't have that skill required to brush their teeth effectively and hence it is advised not to give them fluoridated toothpaste until they are 2 to 3 years old. The gums may sore when teeth erupts starting from 6 months to about 3 years.