Children Dentistry is the provision of oral health care for children from birth to adolescence. Dental care for children is both restorative and preventive. Emphasis is given to prevention and early interception of oral diseases.
To achieve optimal care and as young children may feel apprehensive, our friendly dentists are trained to coax them and provide painless dental treatment.
Quick guide to your child's oral health
A healthy smile starts young and lasts a lifetime. Here are key milestones to help guide your child’s oral health journey.
Age 0 to 2 Years:
- Wipe child’s gums with a soft cloth after meals.
- When ready for brushing, use a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and brush twice-daily.
Age 3 to 5 Years:
- Supervised brushing twice-daily with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- It is encouraged to do a final round of brushing after your child brushed their teeth.
Age 6 Plus Years:
- Encourage brushing twice a day, and flossing daily.
- Start regular dental checkups every six months.
- At around 9 years old, we recommend taking an x-ray to assess the position of adult teeth.
Dentist's tips for our child's oral health journey
These recommendations provide general advice. Consult a dentist for tailored guidance on your child's oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I bring my child for their first dental visit?
Schedule your child’s first dental visit before they turn one or when the first tooth emerges.
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Taking a child to the dentist only when dental problems arise can lead to unnecessary anxiety and create an early fear of dental visits. |
Q: When should I start brushing my child’s teeth?
Brushing should begin as soon as the first tooth emerges. Use an appropriate amount of toothpaste and brush twice daily.
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Use a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to help prevent cavities. |
Q: When should my child’s first tooth fall out?
Children’s first tooth typically falls out around ages six to seven.
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Magic sequence (diagram below) which your child’s adult teeth will erupt. |
- 1st Molar
- Central incisor
- Lateral incisor
- 1st premolar
- Canine
- 2ndpremolar
- 2nd Molar
- 3rd Molar
Q: Should I prevent my child from thumb sucking?
Yes, prolonged thumb sucking can lead to dental misalignment.
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This habit can also be associated with speech delay. It should be discouraged after age four. |
Q: Is it bad if my child falls asleep while drinking from the milk bottle?
Sugars in milk will be digested by oral bacteria to form acids which causes teeth decay.
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Build the habit of brushing before sleeping to keep teeth healthy all night. Avoid all food and drinks after brushing. |
Raffles Dental Children Dentistry services include:
- Fillings and extractions
- Root canal treatment of primary teeth and crowns
- Preventive treatment: sealants, fluoride therapy
- Braces
- Management of primary teeth injuries
- Caries risk assessment
- Dental treatment for children with special needs
- Infant oral health
- Pain control treatment: local or general anaesthesia
Make an appointment online or contact a dental clinic near you. We have 11 dental clinics located islandwide.
