Your child's teeth: the first visit and preventing decay
Parents have many important questions about their children's teeth. Baby teeth are not “temporary and unimportant” — they hold space for the permanent teeth and affect eating and speech.
💬 One of our patients' most common questions
When is the first visit?
When the first tooth appears or before the first birthday. Track tooth eruption with the baby teeth eruption calculator.
How much toothpaste?
- Under 3 years: a smear the size of a grain of rice.
- From 3 to 6 years: a pea-sized amount, with a parent's help.
Baby bottle tooth decay
Falling asleep with a bottle of milk or juice causes rapid decay of the front teeth. Give only water in a night-time bottle, and clean the teeth before bed.
How to prepare your child
Talk about the visit positively, avoid frightening words, and choose a time when your child is rested.
🦷 Related services
Frequently asked questions
Do baby teeth really need treating?
Yes — decay in them is painful and can affect the permanent teeth underneath, and losing them early loses the space.
When do permanent teeth come in?
The first permanent teeth usually appear around age 6 — the first molars and the lower incisors.
Have another question?
Book a consultation or message us on WhatsApp.
📅 Book a consultationBook a consultation or message us on WhatsApp.
📖 Related terms
🩺 Related free tools
🩺 Medically reviewed by: Dr. Mohammad Alshami (Dentist — Oral Surgery & Dental Implants) and Dr. Sohaib Alshami (Surgeon — Aesthetic Medicine) · Last reviewed: 2026-10-02
This information is for general education and does not replace an examination or medical consultation.
More articles
Sterilisation & clinic hygiene: how we protect you at every visitHow to book — and what to bring on your first visitWhy does dental treatment cost differ from patient to patient?Toothache: causes and what to do until you see usSkin glow: which treatment suits me?Zirconia or veneers? The difference made simple