Children's Dental Care: A Parent's Guide from Baby Teeth to Adult Teeth

Children's dental care should begin as soon as the first baby tooth appears, usually at around six months. The first dental visit is recommended once that tooth comes through and no later than around the first birthday.

Baby teeth are far more than placeholders. They help children chew comfortably, learn to speak clearly and keep space for the adult teeth developing underneath. Decayed or prematurely lost baby teeth can lead to pain, infection and crowding problems later on.

Baby teeth and teething

There are 20 baby teeth, which typically arrive between six months and three years. Teething can bring dribbling, irritability and an urge to chew on everything; a clean, chilled teething ring can help. High temperature or diarrhoea should not be put down to teething, so speak to your doctor if these occur.

Start cleaning as soon as the first tooth shows, using a soft, small-headed brush. The first adult molars usually appear at the back of the mouth at around six years of age. Because they do not replace a baby tooth, they often go unnoticed and are easily missed during brushing.

Brushing and fluoride toothpaste by age

Fluoride strengthens enamel and is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay. The key is using the right amount.

• From the first tooth to age three: brush twice a day with a smear (rice-grain size) of fluoride toothpaste
• Ages three to six: brush twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
• Teach children to spit out the toothpaste rather than rinse with lots of water, so the fluoride keeps working
• Help with and supervise brushing until your child has the dexterity to do it well, usually around seven or eight
• Depending on your child's decay risk, the dentist may recommend fluoride varnish applied in the surgery

The first dental visit and fissure sealants

The first visit is usually short and relaxed. The dentist checks the teeth and gums and gives advice on brushing, diet and dummy use. A positive early experience helps prevent dental anxiety. Try to avoid frightening words beforehand and present the visit as an ordinary, even fun, outing.

Fissure sealants are a thin protective coating painted onto the deep grooves of the back teeth. These grooves are hard to clean with a toothbrush and are prone to decay. The procedure is painless, needs no injection or drilling and is usually considered once the adult molars have come through. Sealants are checked at routine appointments to make sure they remain intact.

Everyday habits that protect children's teeth

Frequent sugary food and drinks are one of the main causes of tooth decay in children, and how often they are consumed matters as much as how much.

• Avoid putting babies to sleep with a bottle, especially of milk or juice
• Keep sweets to mealtimes and offer cheese, vegetables or fruit as snacks
• Give water for thirst and limit juice and fizzy drinks
• Avoid sharing spoons or cleaning a dummy in your own mouth, as decay-causing bacteria can be passed on
• Talk to your dentist about prolonged thumb-sucking or dummy use
• Make brushing a fun family routine and lead by example

When to take your child to the dentist

Book an appointment promptly if you notice chalky white patches, brown or black spots, pain when eating, facial swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gum. Teeth that are broken or knocked out in a fall need urgent attention; if an adult tooth is knocked out, hold it by the crown, not the root, keep it in milk and see a dentist straight away.

Most children do well with a check-up every six months, though the interval depends on their individual risk. If you are in Baku, you can book an examination with Dr. Merve Hakan to have your child's teeth assessed.