Preparation

1. Assemble varnish, gauze, and good light source.

2. Place child in knee-to-knee position.

3. Check child's mouth for:

• Hard tissue (tooth)
  • Developmental defects
  • White spots or cavities
  • Oral hygiene status

• Soft tissue pathology and submucosal cleft palate

4. Child may cry during examination.

5. If child does not open mouth, slide finger in buccal sulcus and apply gentle opening pressure.

6. Record findings.