Which statement by the mother indicates a need for further instruction about dental care for a 10-month-old?

Which statement by the mother indicates a need for further instruction about dental care for a 10-month-old?

• A. I should brush the baby's teeth after the first tooth erupts
• B. I should avoid giving sugary liquids at bedtime
• C. I can coat a pacifier with honey during the day as long as I do not give my child a bottle at nap or bedtime
• D. I should take the baby to the dentist by age one

Answer: (C)

Coating a pacifier with honey for a 10-month-old reveals a misunderstanding about safety. Honey can contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which can cause infant botulism in babies under one year old. This risk exists regardless of whether the honey is used during the day or at naps, so honey should be avoided entirely until after the baby turns one. That’s why this statement signals a need for further instruction. The other practices described align with appropriate guidance: brushing the baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts, avoiding sugary liquids at bedtime to reduce risk of decay, and taking the infant to the dentist by age one are all recommended steps in early dental care.

Coating a pacifier with honey for a 10-month-old reveals a misunderstanding about safety. Honey can contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which can cause infant botulism in babies under one year old. This risk exists regardless of whether the honey is used during the day or at naps, so honey should be avoided entirely until after the baby turns one. That’s why this statement signals a need for further instruction.

The other practices described align with appropriate guidance: brushing the baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts, avoiding sugary liquids at bedtime to reduce risk of decay, and taking the infant to the dentist by age one are all recommended steps in early dental care.