ABOUT   Toothprints®®

In the past, dental records have been the primary means of identification of lost or abducted children. However, the successful fight against tooth decay has left many children with no cavities and, thus, no records. That’s where Toothprints® comes in.

Toothprints® is a soft wafer that dentists use to take a dental imprint . Like fingerprints, dental imprints are unique, so the Toothprints® bite impression provides an accurate means of identification. Families are advised to keep the Toothprints® record for confidentiality and quick access.

According to Peter Banks, Director of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, when Toothprints® is taken, enough proteins in the saliva are transferred to the wafer that a DNA test can be successfully performed. He also states that, since the Toothprints® wafer is sealed in a “zipper”-type plastic bag, enough scent remains for a trained dog to identify and track with it.

Recommended Toothprints® Update Schedule
Yearly updates of Toothprints® bite impressions is ideal. Otherwise, the following schedule is highly recommended:

*Initial impression: Age 3 (or after all primary teethhave erupted)

*Update: Age 7 or 8 (or after the upper and lower incisors and the first permanent molars have erupted)

*Update: Age 12 or 13 (or after all permanent teeth, excluding 3rd molars, have erupted).

And a Toothprints® dental ID is an easy, quick and comfortable procedure for children – there’s no reason not to have it done.

Call any our office today for more information on Toothprints® dental ID and all of our Pediatric Dentistry services.