Pain or infection

Refer to Section 6 of the full guidance.

• Diagnose pain or infection and determine a suitable management strategy (see flow diagram below).

• Do not leave dental infection untreated.

• Avoid dental extractions on a child’s first visit if at all possible.

Note that each patient should receive an oral health assessment which may be carried out before or after diagnosis and management of pain, depending on its severity.

Diagnosis and management of caries-related dental pain or infection in a child with no medical complications