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Hey mummies (& daddies)! I’m Elissa, a first-time IVF mummy to a lovely 17-month-old toddler girl. Which is why I totally get how exciting (and sometimes a little overwhelming) it is when your baby’s first teeth start to pop through. As soon as those little teeth start coming in, so many questions follow—When to start brushing baby’s teeth? Do I need toothpaste for baby? What’s the best way to take care of baby’s teeth?
I know it can feel like there’s a lot of conflicting advice from friends, family, and online groups. Believe me, I’ve been there! So, I thought, why not go straight to an expert to get all the answers?
In today’s post, as part of our all-new Ask A Pro series, we’re tackling baby dental care with insights from Dr. Jessica Khong, a trusted paediatric dentist from Just Kids Dental Clinic in Singapore. In this series, I’ll be connecting with professionals who can share their knowledge and help guide us new parents on everything from prenatal preparation, postnatal recovery to child development.
If you’re an expert in your field and want to help out other Singapore-based parents, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]! And parents, make sure to follow us on Instagram so you can stay updated on more expert Q&A sessions and participate by sending us your burning questions!.
About the Expert: Meet Dr. Jessica Khong of Just Kids Dental Clinic
Dr. Jessica Khong is a dedicated paediatric dental specialist with over 10 years of experience in her field. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s in Dental Surgery, followed by a Master’s in Paediatric Dentistry, both from the prestigious National University of Singapore. Registered with the Ministry of Health as a paediatric dental specialist, Dr. Jessica has honed her skills through years of work in both public institutions and private practice. Today, she channels her expertise and passion for children’s oral health into her new venture, Just Kids Dental Clinic, , located at 79 Upper East Coast Road.
About Just Kids Dental Clinic
At Just Kids Dental Clinic, Dr. Jessica and her team are dedicated to transforming dental visits into a positive and stress-free experience for children and parents. Designed with a child-friendly focus, the clinic featuring an engaging play area to help children associate dental visits with fun rather than fear. Understanding the needs of parents, the clinic also offers spacious treatment rooms that comfortably accommodates strollers and larger families, complete with a diaper changing table and extra diapers for those unexpected moments.
Specializing in paediatric dental care of children (from newborns onward), the clinic offers services such as routine dental check-ups, comprehensive dental treatments, and interceptive orthodontics. They also operate by appointment only basis – so do make sure to make an appointment if you want to visit!
Q&A with Paediatric Dentist, Dr. Jessica Khong
Now, let’s hear from Dr. Jessica Khong as she answers some of the most common questions Singaporean parents have about baby dental care
Q: When should I take my baby to the dentist for the first time?
Dr. Khong: Scheduling your child’s first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday, is vital for establishing a foundation of good oral health.
This early introduction to dental care serves multiple purposes, with a primary focus on educating parents about proper oral hygiene practices and dietary habits to ensure your child’s teeth remain healthy.
During the initial visit, a paediatric dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination to assess your child’s dental and soft tissue development as well as overall oral hygiene. This proactive approach helps in identifying any potential issues early on and provides you with the necessary guidance to foster a lifetime of healthy dental habits for your child.
Q: If my baby has no teeth yet, do I need to do anything for oral hygiene? Or when to start brushing baby’s teeth?
Dr. Khong: Yes! You should still incorporate an oral hygiene routine. You can use an oral wipe, wet cloth, or silicone toothbrush to gently clean the tongue, inner cheeks, and gum pads. This helps in effectively removing milk residues and bacteria.
Additionally, having an oral hygiene routine also helps babies familiarize themselves with the sensation of having their mouths cleaned, making it easier for them to adapt to brushing (when they have teeth) as they grow older. Establishing this routine early on instils the importance of oral care and helps babies understand the consistency and order of daily routines.
Q: When do baby teeth typically come in? Should I be worried if my baby doesn’t have many teeth?
Dr. Khong: Teething timelines can vary greatly from baby to baby. However, if your baby has not started teething by 18 months, it’s a good idea to consult with a paediatric dentist to rule out any underlying issues.
Q: What can I do to help if my baby is suffering from teething pains?
Dr. Khong: Teething can be a challenging phase for both infants and parents, but there are several strategies to help soothe a teething baby. Offering your child items to gnaw on, such as cold teething rings or teething rusks, can provide relief by massaging their sore gums. Additionally, frozen fruits like strips of watermelon or mango can be both soothing and tasty. But it is important to ensure that these items are safe and free from choking hazards.
If your child is particularly fussy, especially before bedtime, you might consider giving them a dose of pain relief medication like paracetamol. This can help alleviate discomfort for several hours, allowing both your baby and yourself to get a restful night’s sleep. Always consult with a healthcare professional before administering any medication to ensure it’s appropriate for your child’s age and needs.
Q: Should I use toothpaste for my baby/toddler’s teeth?
Dr. Khong: Whether your child needs toothpaste depends on several factors: their ability to spit, age, diet, and overall risk of tooth decay. For a personalized recommendation, it’s always best to consult a paediatric dentist.
While brushing alone with water helps remove plaque and maintain oral hygiene for all children, those at higher risk of decay may benefit from fluoride toothpaste. A paediatric dentist can assess your child’s oral health, guide you on whether toothpaste is necessary, and recommend the right type and amount of toothpaste tailored to your child’s needs.
Q: What type of toothbrush should I use for my baby/toddler’s teeth?
Dr. Khong: You should choose a toothbrush with soft, dense, nylon bristles and a small head—no bigger than the size of a 10-cent coin. This will be gentle on your baby’s gums and teeth.
Q: How often should I brush my baby’s teeth?
Dr. Khong: Ideally, you should brush your baby’s teeth twice a day. The most important time to brush is at night before bed, after their last milk feed. This ensures that no milk or food residue sits on their teeth overnight.
Q: How do I brush my baby/toddler’s teeth if they struggle/resist?
Dr. Khong: Creating a consistent toothbrushing routine for babies and toddlers is essential for maintaining their oral health, even though you may encounter resistance along the way. Starting as soon as the first tooth appears helps children get used to the sensation and rhythm of brushing, making it easier to continue the habit as more teeth come in. As more teeth appear, brushing time should gradually increase to ensure all teeth are thoroughly cleaned.
To make the brushing process more enjoyable, you can introduce fun elements like singing songs, using fun apps, or even taking turns brushing each other’s teeth. If you are facing persistent challenges, consulting with a paediatric dentist can help provide valuable strategies and insights to facilitate a smoother toothbrushing experience.
Q: Are baby/toddler “anti-cavity” oral sprays recommended?
Dr. Khong: Regarding these anti cavity products, it’s difficult to comment as these products haven’t been individually researched on in the proper settings. Fluoride toothpaste is still the gold standard for cavity prevention (for children with high risk of cavities), and more recently, hydroxyapatite has shown promising results as well. Always check with your paediatric dentist before introducing any new products into your child’s oral care routine.
Q: What should I do if my baby has a toothache?
Dr. Khong: If your child is experiencing a toothache, it’s important to address their discomfort promptly. Scheduling an appointment with a paediatric dentist promptly to ensure they receive professional care and an accurate diagnosis. In the meantime, you can help alleviate their pain by offering a child-appropriate dose of a painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, following the dosage instructions on the label or as advised by a healthcare professional. . Always consult with a healthcare professional before administering any medication to ensure it’s appropriate for your child’s age and needs.
Q: What dietary habits can help prevent cavities in babies?
Dr. Khong: Try your best to delay your baby’s exposure to sugar. Limit their intake of sugar-laden treats and snacks to once a day, and offer these to them only during mealtimes. Choose sweets wisely- avoid those that stick on teeth and stay in the mouth for a long time. Stay hydrated and drink only plain water throughout the day. Sweet drinks/juices should be kept to a minimum, and only drank on occasion.
Why I (As a Mum) Believe Early Dental Care is Important Too!
As a mum (who has experienced multiple dental issues over the years), I wanted to make sure my little one had a good head start. Toothaches are no joke even as an adult, so I am doing my best to help her avoid any dental issues for as long as possible.
Creating Healthy Habits Early: We all want our kids to grow up with strong, confident smiles. Introducing them to the dentist early, in a fun and positive way, helps prevent dental anxiety later on. That’s why I love the idea of paediatric dental clinics – clinics designed with little ones in mind instead of the sterile and usually much scarier environments at dental clinics. My little one had so much fun on her first visit she almost didn’t want to leave!
Prevention Is the Best Approach: Just like with any health issue, spotting potential problems early is key to avoiding bigger issues later. A dentist can catch things you might miss on your own. At our visit, the dentist pointed out something that I would never had noticed on my own and affects the way I had to brush her teeth. Read more about it in the article below.
Avoiding Painful Surprises: Toothaches are no fun, especially for little ones. Regular dental visits help keep those tiny teeth healthy and avoid unexpected pain. We’ve already scheduled our next check-up in six months!
If you’d like to read more about my personal experience with my child’s first dental visit, check out my article below!
Book A Dental Visit For Your Little One Today!
I hope this Q&A with Dr. Khong has answered your key questions like “When should I start brushing baby’s teeth?” and “When should I bring my baby to the dentist?” These are some of the most common concerns I hear from fellow parents all the time, so feel free to share this resource with anyone who needs guidance!
Remember, you don’t need to wait for a full set of teeth to kickstart your baby’s dental care journey. Starting early—whether it’s cleaning their gums, planning their first dental appointment, or encouraging healthy eating habits—lays the foundation for a lifetime of strong, healthy teeth.
If you haven’t yet, book that first dental visit today! It’s so much easier to establish positive habits now, and the long-term benefits are truly worth it.
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