CAMARGO, Lucila Basto et al. Reflection on the behavior of infants during dental care: clinical case report. Rev. Assoc. Paul. Cir. Dent. []. 2013, 67, 3, pp. 209-213. ISSN 0004-5276.

This study aimed to review the literature regarding the babies' behavior during dental treatment and report a case of a baby who had his behavior monitored during the treatment through a behavioral scale. A patient three years and seven months old, with caries had his treatment monitored using the modified Venham Index in three different moments of the session. The patient received the following scores: 4 and 5 in the first and second sessions, 1 and 2 in the third and fifth sessions, 5 in the fourth session. The baby's behavior during dental care tends to improve as the treatment progresses, however, sometimes the baby has unexpected reactions, alternating good and bad moments, which are not justified by the level of complexity of clinical procedures which are being submitted. The use of the modified Venham Index to monitoring babies' behavior during treatment has limited effectiveness due to the babies conflicting reactions and the evaluator subjectivity. Therefore, it is essential that the professional knows how to properly perform the techniques to care safely and and being able to maintain tranquility regardless of the behavior exhibited by the patient.

: tooth, deciduous; dental caries susceptibility; dental anxiety.