Children Dentistry
Gentle, Expert Dental Care for Growing Smiles
Children’s Dentistry
At Advanced Dental, our dentists offer children’s dentistry services for children aged 18 years and below. A healthy smile starts from childhood. That’s why we want to help all our young patients build good dental habits. A healthy smile starts from childhood!
Eruption and Shedding of Baby Teeth
The lower front baby teeth will normally be shed first at around 6 to 7 years of age. Gradually, the rest of their baby teeth will be lost and replaced by adult teeth until around the age of 12.
The last adult teeth to appear are the wisdom teeth, which only erupt during the late teens to early twenties. Including wisdom teeth, adults will have a total of 32 permanent teeth.
Eruption of Adult Teeth
If your child’s baby tooth has been knocked out or lost before their permanent tooth is ready to erupt, there is a risk of the surrounding teeth shifting and permanent teeth coming out misaligned.
In such cases, we recommend placing space maintainers to prevent your child’s teeth from shifting before the permanent tooth erupts.
Tips for Parents
When should I start bringing my child to the dentist?
By the age of two, your baby’s teeth should all have erupted. This is a good time to start bringing your child for their first dental check-up, where a gentle cleaning can be done.
Introducing your child to a dentist from a young age can help your child get more comfortable with the experience. It will also help us identify any dental issues from an early age and ensure proper growth of their jaw and teeth. This reduces the likelihood of oral complications later in life.
If your child is under the age of two and you suspect that there are issues with his or her teeth, you may also bring your child for a checkup at any of our dental clinics in Singapore.
What can I expect at my child's dental appointment?
Your child’s appointment should last around 30 minutes. During this time, our dentists will do intraoral and extraoral examinations of their teeth and gums, as well as gentle cleaning and polishing to remove any plaque and stains.
Our dentist will advise you if fillings or more extensive treatment is necessary.
How often does my child need to see a dentist?
Just like adults, kids need to see a dentist regularly too. We encourage you to bring your child for a checkup every 6 months, so that any oral health issues can be nipped in the bud or avoided altogether.
How do I prepare my child to see the dentist?
Parents play a big part in helping children keep a bright and healthy smile.
Set up good toothbrushing habits at home so that your child understands the importance of good oral hygiene. When it’s time to visit the dentist, use positive words to describe how the dentist will help them, and avoid words that might bring to mind pain or fear.
Tell–Show–Do Method
It’s natural for kids to be afraid of what they don’t understand. By gently explaining and demonstrating what they are doing, our dentists hope to help our young patients feel more at ease at their dental appointments.
Our Children's Dentistry Services
Check out the services we offer to help care for your child’s oral health!
Examination and Prevention
Bacteria will hide in places we can’t reach, no matter how well we try to brush our teeth. That’s where the dentist comes in to help.
Parents, we recommend that you bring your children to a dentist for thorough cleaning of their teeth at least twice a year. During these visits, our dentist will gently clean their teeth with a soft rubber cup and a mildly gritty paste.
This helps to stop the progression of oral diseases (e.g., gingivitis and tooth decay) in children by removing plaque and stains.
Space Maintainer
What is a Space Maintainer?
A space maintainer is a device that helps to maintain the gap between two teeth where another tooth should be.
Metal bands are placed around one or two teeth next to the gap. A wire loop extending from the metal band on one tooth pushes against the tooth on the opposite side of the gap to prevent it from shifting toward the gap.
If your child has lost a baby tooth before it is time for their permanent adult tooth to erupt, the surrounding teeth may shift, resulting in insufficient space for the new tooth to erupt. This will cause crowded or crooked teeth in the future.
To prevent this from happening, we recommend that a space maintainer be placed.
Extraction (Baby Teeth)
Baby teeth will normally fall out on their own, but occasionally they might need some extra help making way for the permanent tooth.
Sometimes, a tooth may also need to be removed because of decay or trauma. With a bit of anesthesia and our special forceps, our dentist will gently wriggle that tooth out.
Fissure Sealants
The deep grooves in your child's molars easily trap food and bacteria that can cause decay. Fissure sealants are a flowable filling material that fills these grooves to protect them against cavities.
Restorative Treatment
If your kids are eating a lot of sugary foods and do not have good tooth brushing habits, bacteria will build up and cavities may form. With the dentist’s help, decay can be removed and the holes in your child’s teeth can be patched up.
The dentist will gently remove the decayed part of the tooth along with the bacteria on it. Then, with a tooth-coloured filling, he or she will restore the tooth to its original form.
Filling cavities also helps prevent bacteria from returning and causing further decay. If you think your child may need a filling, book an appointment to see a dentist at any of our clinics in Singapore.
Pain Free Dentistry
Some treatments cause pain. For parents worried about their young children, Advanced Dental uses different methods to reduce children's pain. Find out more by clicking the button below.
Frequently asked questions
Are there any paediatric dentists in your dental group?
We do not have paediatric dentists. However, please be assured that our dentists are professional and experienced in dealing with children.
When should my child start using mouthwash?
The use of mouthwash depends on the child's age and their ability to swish and spit it out without swallowing. Generally, children around the age of six or older can start using a fluoridated mouthwash, but it's best to consult with the dentist for specific recommendations.
Do you have a pediatric dentist for children?
We do not have a pediatric dentist, but we can book your child's appointment with a general dentist who has experience treating children. The dentist will do their best to complete the procedure, but cooperation from your child is essential. For complex cases or difficulties, the patient may be referred to a children's specialist dental clinic.
When should my child start brushing their teeth?
You should begin cleaning your child's gums with a soft cloth or infant toothbrush even before the first tooth erupts. Once the first tooth appears, you can start using a small amount of fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
What should I do if my child has a dental emergency?
If your child experiences a dental emergency, such as a knocked-out tooth or severe toothache, contact your dentist immediately. They will provide guidance on what steps to take and may need to see your child for an emergency appointment.
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How often should my child visit the dentist?
Children should visit the dentist every six months for regular check-ups and cleanings. However, the frequency may vary based on the child's oral health needs as determined by the dentist.
When should my child have their first dental visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child should have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth erupts.
What are dental sealants, and does my child need them?
Dental sealants are protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent cavities. They are recommended for children who are at a higher risk of developing tooth decay, especially on the molars.
Why do we need to take care of baby teeth if they are going to fall out?
Although baby teeth will be lost eventually, they are still important to your child’s health. Losing baby teeth prematurely can result in misalignment of the surrounding teeth, which will affect the position of the permanent teeth in future. Decay and infection of baby teeth can also harm the unerupted permanent teeth below. Decayed and infected teeth will also cause pain and affect your child’s ability to eat and speak well.
How can I prevent cavities in my child's teeth?
To prevent cavities in your child's teeth, encourage them to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, limit sugary snacks and drinks, and ensure regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
How can I help my child overcome fear of the dentist?
You can help your child overcome fear of the dentist by maintaining a positive attitude, talking to them about the importance of dental visits, and choosing a dentist who specializes in treating children and creating a child-friendly environment.
What can I expect during my child's first dental visit?
During the first dental visit, the dentist will perform a gentle examination of your child's mouth, gums, and teeth. They will also provide guidance on oral hygiene practices and discuss any concerns or questions you may have.
What happens if my child's baby teeth fall out too early?
If a baby tooth has fallen out before it should, please book an appointment with us for a consultation about space maintainers.
