As soon as the first tooth appears! Use a soft toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste. Before that, you can clean the gums with a soft cloth.
CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY FAQS /
Daily Care & Prevention
This page focuses on everyday oral care routines that keep children’s teeth healthy. It answers common questions about brushing techniques, toothpaste amounts, fluoride safety, and helping children brush effectively. You will also find advice on diet, sugar intake, cavity prevention, and what happens if decay occurs in baby teeth.
Daily Care at Home
Yes — from the moment teeth erupt. Use just a rice-sized smear for children under 3, and a pea-sized amount after age 3. Fluoride is key in preventing cavities.
- Under age 3: Rice grain-sized smear
- Age 3 and up: Pea-sized amount
Yes, fluoride is safe and very effective at preventing cavities when used appropriately. It strengthens enamel and helps reverse early decay. We recommend fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1000 ppm (parts per million) fluoride from the time the first tooth appears.
Swallowing a smear of fluoridated toothpaste is alright. In fact, it’s recommended not to rinse after brushing with fluoridated toothpaste. For younger children who don’t know how to spit, you can wipe out the accumulated paste with a moist cloth. For older children, it’s recommended for them to spit out the toothpaste, but not to rinse out. This will allow the fluoride to continue its action of strengthening the enamel.
Most children don’t have the hand skills to brush thoroughly until around age 7 or 8. Let them practice, but always supervise and help finish the job until they’re reliably effective on their own.
- Use fun songs, apps, or timers
- Let them choose a toothbrush or toothpaste flavor
- Brush together as a family
- Keep routines consistent — same time, same place
- Use positive reinforcement, not punishment
If you are having difficulties, let us know your situation during your child’s dental visit, and we’ll be able to help you tailor an effective brushing strategy for your child.
Healthy Habits & Prevention
Cavities are preventable with the 2-2-2 method:
- Twice-daily brushing with fluoridated toothpaste
- Two minutes of brushing each time
- Twice-yearly dental check-ups
- Limiting sugary snacks and drinks
- Encouraging consumption of whole foods and snacks
Fluoride treatments and dental sealants give extra protection against decay.
Ideally, do not introduce added sugars, and salt, in your child’s diet at least up to age 2. After that, limit added sugars as much as possible.
Consuming whole foods which are naturally sweet, such as fruits, is fine. It’s the added sugars and the frequency of exposure that cause problems.
Juices can be harmful if consumed frequently. They are high in free sugars and acid, which can weaken enamel.
Gummy vitamins often stick to teeth and are sugary, it’s like giving candy daily. Use chewable or liquid vitamins when possible and offer water instead of juice.
Crunchy fruits and veggies, cheese, yogurt, and lots of water. Try to keep sticky or sugary treats as special occasions.
Even though baby teeth fall out, untreated cavities can cause pain, infections, and damage to nearby teeth or the developing adult teeth underneath. We usually recommend treatment, which may include fillings, crowns, or in some cases, extractions, to keep your child healthy, comfortable, and able to function, eat and speak, normally.
* Master Training in Interceptive Orthodontics and Myofunctional Therapy, India 2024
* Hands on Surgical Training on Paediatric Oral Surgery, Ministry of Health Malaysia, 2013/15
A Happy Smile Starts with a Happy Experience
We’re here to make dental visits something your child can look forward to. Whether your little one is a giggler, a wiggler or a little nervous — we’ll meet them where they are, with patience, kindness, and we’ll be prepared to make it a positive experience for them.
