Paediatric Dentistry

When should the first check-up be scheduled?

An appointment should be booked within six months of the first tooth erupting, and no later than the child's first birthday. The purpose of this visit is not treatment but familiarisation: sitting in the chair, holding the mirror, meeting the dentist. If a child's first encounter with a dentist happens during a painful emergency, the fear that takes hold that day can last for years.

Why does decay in milk teeth matter?

The idea that "they'll fall out anyway" is common but misleading. Alongside chewing and speech, milk teeth also hold space for the permanent teeth coming behind them. A primary molar lost too early lets the tooth behind it drift forward, leaving the permanent tooth with nowhere to erupt — orthodontic treatment can become necessary as a result.

On top of that, deep decay in a milk tooth can affect the permanent tooth bud developing underneath it.

Preventive approaches

Fissure sealants

The narrow grooves and ridges on the chewing surface of permanent molars are too tight for bristles to reach. These areas are sealed with a flowable filling material. The procedure is painless, needs no anaesthetic, and takes only a few minutes.

Fluoride application

Fluoride strengthens the enamel's resistance to acid. The high-concentration varnish applied at the clinic does not replace fluoride toothpaste used at home — the two work hand in hand.

Diet and brushing routine

A child generally cannot clean their teeth well enough alone until around age seven or eight. Until then, a parent needs to finish off the evening brushing. Giving milk or juice in a bottle at night is the most common cause of the fast-progressing decay known as "bottle caries".

Our approach with children

Children's appointments are scheduled for the morning, while they're still well-rested. The procedure is explained in age-appropriate language using tell-show-do. We avoid forcing, misleading, or making promises we can't keep, such as "it won't hurt at all" — once a child's trust is broken, it's very hard to earn back.

When cooperation isn't possible due to significant anxiety or very young age, sedation options are separately assessed and discussed together with the family.

This page is general information and does not replace a dental examination. Whether the treatment suits you, and the method and duration, are decided only after an intraoral examination and radiographic assessment.