Box 1.

Reasons to refer to Children’s Social Care

Dental caries When there is evidence of persistent failure to meet the child’s basic oral health needs, which may result in serious impairment of the child’s oral health, general health, or development. Oral trauma Intra-oral injury in non-mobile child. Delayed presentation or explanation of cause inconsistent with injury. Multiple injuries in different stages of healing. Bruising of the palate. Sexual abuse Unexplained injury or petechiae of the palate, especially at the junction between the hard and soft palates. Oral warts.