Children’s Dental Health: A Guide for Parents

The foundation of a healthy smile is laid in childhood. Although baby teeth are temporary, they are very important for chewing, speech and for guiding permanent teeth into the right place.

When is the first dental visit?

Your child’s first dental visit is recommended when the first tooth appears, or by around age 1 at the latest. Early visits help detect problems early and help your child get used to the dentist.

Tooth brushing

• Teeth should be brushed twice a day from the moment the first tooth appears.
• Under 3 years: Use a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste.
• 3–6 years: A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is enough.
• Parents should help and supervise brushing until children can brush effectively on their own (usually around 7–8 years).

Diet and baby-bottle decay

Sugary drinks, fruit juices and frequent snacking increase the risk of decay. Letting a child fall asleep with a bottle of milk or a sugary drink can cause rapidly progressing decay, especially in the front teeth.

Preventive treatments

• Fluoride varnish: Strengthens tooth enamel and increases resistance to decay.
• Fissure sealants: Deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of molars are sealed to reduce decay.
• Space maintainers: Can be used to keep the space of a baby tooth lost too early.

Regular check-ups

Visiting the dentist every 6 months allows small problems to be treated before they grow. Our pediatric dentist carries out examinations and treatments with a gentle, age-appropriate approach.

This article is for information only; please consult your dentist for diagnosis and treatment.