Children need dental care from the time their first tooth appears. Regular visits, fluoride and good habits at home help keep their teeth healthy as they grow.
At a glance
- First visit
- Dentists advise a first dental visit by a child’s first birthday
- Fluoride varnish
- A thin coating painted on teeth to help protect them from decay
- Sealants
- A thin coating on the chewing surface of back teeth
- Check-ups
- Regular, at intervals your dentist advises
- Cost
- Depends on the treatment. Your dentist tells you before starting.
The first visit
The first visit is mostly about getting to know the dentist and the clinic. The dentist looks at the teeth, talks to you about brushing, food and drinks, and answers your questions. Bringing your child early helps them get used to the dentist before there is any problem. It is a good idea to keep the visit calm and to avoid saying anything that suggests it will hurt.
Why baby teeth matter
Baby teeth hold space for the adult teeth and help with chewing and speaking. Decay in baby teeth can cause pain and infection and can affect the adult teeth coming through. It is worth looking after them.
Fluoride varnish
Fluoride varnish is a sticky coating that the dentist paints on the teeth. It sets quickly, and it helps make the tooth surface stronger against decay. It can be applied to baby teeth once they have come through, and it is usually repeated at intervals your dentist advises. Your dentist will tell you if it is suitable for your child.
Sealants
Sealants are thin plastic coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where food and germs collect in the grooves. They are usually placed when the first permanent back teeth, often called the six-year molars, come through between about the ages of 5 and 7. Sealants protect the tooth but can wear, so they are checked at each visit.
Caring for your child’s teeth at home
- Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3, and a pea-sized amount from age 3.
- Brush twice a day, including last thing at night, and help your child brush until they can do it well.
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks, and keep them to mealtimes where possible.
- Do not put a child to bed with a bottle of milk or juice.
- Give water between meals.
When to get urgent help
If your child has swelling of the face or neck, swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, or a fever with tooth pain, go to the nearest hospital straight away (or call 112). If a permanent tooth is knocked out, see a dentist at once, and do not try to put a baby tooth back.
Common questions
When should my child first see a dentist?
Dentists advise a first visit by a child’s first birthday, or when the first tooth appears.
Is fluoride safe for children?
Fluoride in the right amounts helps prevent decay. Using the correct amount of toothpaste for your child’s age is important. Ask your dentist if you are unsure.
My child is scared. What can I do?
Talk about the visit in a relaxed way, and let the dentist know your child is nervous. A short first visit to look around can help.
Do baby teeth need fillings?
If a baby tooth has decay it may need treatment, because untreated decay can spread and cause pain and infection. Your dentist will advise.
How often should my child visit?
It depends on your child’s teeth and their risk of decay. Your dentist will tell you how often to come.
Children’s dentistry at Gangtok Dental Clinic
Dr. Anjali Gupta sees patients at Gangtok Dental Clinic and has more than 6 years of experience in dentistry. She will take time to look at your child’s teeth and explain anything she finds in a way you can both follow. She will explain what she finds and go through your options and the cost with you, and nothing is started until you are ready to go ahead.
We are open every day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Call or message us on WhatsApp at +91 82106 99271 to book a visit for your child. Our address is on the contact page.
This page gives general information about the treatment. It is not a diagnosis or medical advice, and what you need depends on an examination by your dentist. Please read our Medical Disclaimer.