A. Kohli, R. Khattar Bhagat. India: Elsevier India price Rs. 395; pp 108 ISBN

9788131208946

This is a book written and meant as a quick and thorough review of dental care for children. It includes topics incorporating prevention, breastfeeding, teething, dental abnormalities, habits affecting the dentition, diet, orthodontics and dental emergencies. One hundred and fifteen photos, pictures and boxes are used to underline important points within the text and make them clearer for the reader.

Generally this is a well written, informative book aimed at educating parents about the importance of looking after their children's teeth. The text was in a logical sequence and the highlights section at the end of each chapter serves as a useful aide mémoire highlighting important points to take away.

This book is aimed at families who live in India though many points could be universally interpreted.

The authors state that breastfed children do not develop thumb sucking habits, which is not something that I would agree with from my experience. Indeed I have not found a direct correlation regarding this from my practice.

I agree with the authors' advice to parents not to dismiss teething as a minor issue and if any systemic illness develops during this time to consult a paediatrician.

My own additional comment regarding eruption times is that if a child's tooth does not erupt within six months of its contra lateral tooth, this will require more formal investigation by way of radiographs.

The chapter on the 'First Dental Visit' was very well explained in terms of child management techniques and it would be easy for parents to appreciate.

The authors recommend non-fluoridated toothpaste for children under four years of age as they are concerned about fluorosis developing. This may be reflective of local Indian demographic and socioeconomic conditions. This is not followed in the UK as we recommend the use of at least 1,000 ppm fluoride toothpaste in pea size form for this age group as suggested in the Department of Health Evidence Based Toolkit for Prevention 2007.

In the chapter on braces it states that all children should be referred to the orthodontist at six years of age so development can be followed more closely. In the UK general dentists monitor the developing dentition and would refer to an orthodontist at an appropriate point using a referral pathway if a malocclusion deemed it necessary.

On the whole this is a well-written, informative book designed to help parents look after their child's dentition.