Love Your Child from Their First Tooth (Public Health Network)
Teething is a major concern for mothers, especially the emergence of the first tiny tooth—a true milestone. Experts emphasize that dental health is closely linked to a baby's overall development.Dr. Zhu Min, a dentist specializing in endodontics at the Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, advises that parents should bring their child for their first routine dental checkup as soon as the first baby tooth erupts, and no later than age one. Generally, children aged 1 to 3 should have a routine dental checkup every three months.
What a Routine Checkup Involves
The dentist will examine the child's mouth, checking not only for cavities in the baby teeth but also for any developmental abnormalities, the growth status of the teeth, and the bite alignment. This allows for early detection and treatment of any issues. The dentist will also inquire about the child's feeding habits and guide parents on how to clean their baby's teeth.When issues arise during the consultation, the dentist will advise parents on corrective actions to prevent future dental problems like cavities or underbites. This empowers parents to better care for their child's teeth, promote dental health, and safeguard oral well-being.The most crucial and important step is establishing good oral hygiene habits. Parents must cultivate these habits early on and not take them lightly. "It's essential to start with children, and the earlier the better."
Teaching Proper Brushing at Age 3
Dr. Zhu Min explains that by age 3, parents should teach children to brush correctly using a child-specific toothbrush with soft bristles that won't harm gums. Around age 2, brushing with water is sufficient; once proficient around age 3, introduce child-safe toothpaste.Teach children the simplest "circular motion" technique: Place the bristles on the tooth surface and make small circles over the teeth, repeating at least five times per area. Remind them to brush all surfaces, especially the inner molars—circling not just the sides but also the tops.
Dental Sealants—Protective Armor for Teeth
Humans grow teeth twice in a lifetime: baby teeth and permanent teeth. However, the six-year molars have no replacements. Unless lost due to accident, they stay with you for life. Yet these four teeth are most prone to cavities.
The surfaces of these six-year molars feature numerous crevices and pits—known as fissures. Food particles love to get stuck in these recesses, where bacteria thrive and are difficult to remove.Fissure sealing involves applying a polymeric material to the tooth surface—particularly to pits, fissures, and fissures prone to decay—without removing tooth structure. This creates a barrier that protects teeth from bacterial erosion and metabolic byproducts, isolates them from cariogenic factors in the mouth, and prevents food and plaque accumulation. It is an effective preventive measure against tooth decay.
Visit the dentist every three months during tooth replacement
For five- or six-year-olds, tooth replacement may be more important than learning piano, rollerblading, or arithmetic. This is because newly erupted permanent teeth will accompany them for most of their lives, impacting eating habits, facial appearance, and even psychological well-being.Zhu Min reminds parents that oral health care during this transitional period is crucial, directly affecting the future alignment and aesthetics of their child's teeth. Dental check-ups every three months are recommended during this phase. Parents should intensify care during this time to help their children develop healthy teeth.