Developmental Milestones: Red Flags to Look Out for in Children

This lecture highlights some of the red flags to look out for when children come in for a dental examination or recall appointment. It is important that we examine all children properly when they attend for an initial examination or recall appointment. This includes infants and children with special healthcare needs. After a careful examination of the mouth, it is important to raise certain red flags with families so that they understand the importance of returning for regular recall. This could include neonatal teeth in infancy, taking bitewing radiographs when contacts become closed, advice about oral habits like thumb sucking, ensuring children are wearing mouthguards and picking up early orthodontic problems.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this lecture you will learn:

1. To identify potential red flags for future orthodontic problems when examining children

2. How to address those issues with proactive communication with the patient and parents and regular examinations