Children's teeth

Children’s Dentistry

When should I take my child to the dentist?

The Irish Society of Dentistry for Children recommends that you bring your child for their first dental visit by the time of their first birthday.

Bringing your child to visit the dentist routinely when they are young will go a long way in helping them to develop a healthy relationship with dental visits when they are an adult.

This will let them get used to the sounds and surroundings of the dental practice. The earlier these visits start, the more relaxed the child will be and the better prepared they will be should they ever need treatment in the future.

When will my child's teeth appear?

First (or 'baby' or ‘milk') teeth usually start to appear when your child is around 6 months old. All 20 baby teeth should appear by the age of 30 months.

The first permanent 'adult' molars (back teeth) will appear at about 6 years, before the first baby teeth start to fall out at about 6 to 7. The permanent 'adult' teeth will then replace the 'baby' teeth. It is usually the lower front teeth that are lost first, followed by the upper front teeth shortly after. All permanent teeth should be in place by the age of 14, except the ‘wisdom' teeth. These may appear any time between 18 and 25 years of age.

All children are different and develop at different rates.

How should I clean my child's teeth?

Cleaning your child's teeth should be part of their daily hygiene routine. You may find it easier to stand or sit behind your child, cradling their chin in your hand so you can reach their top and bottom teeth more easily.

As soon as the first baby teeth start to appear you should start to clean them.
At first you may find it easier to use a piece of clean gauze or cloth wrapped around your forefinger. As more teeth appear, you will need to use a baby toothbrush. Use tap water for cleaning, toothpaste should only be introduced after 2 years.
Once all the teeth have appeared, use a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles in small, circular movements and try to concentrate on one section at a time.
Don't forget to brush gently behind the teeth and onto the gums.
Spit out after brushing and do not rinse, so that the fluoride stays on the teeth longer.
If possible, make brushing a routine - just before your child goes to bed and at least one other time during the day. Remember to encourage your child, as praise will often get results! A small pea-sized amount (not a stripe) of fluoride toothpaste should be introduced after the child’s 2nd birthday. It is important to clean teeth twice a day with a toothpaste that contains at least 1000ppm (parts per million) of fluoride.
After 3 years old, use a toothpaste that contains 1350ppm to 1500ppm. You should make sure that they do not rinse but spit out the toothpaste, and that they don’t swallow any if possible.
Children will require supervision to brush their teeth up until the age of about 8 years old. Up until that point parents should encourage their child to do as much of the brushing themselves, with the parent then finishing the job.
Modern electric toothbrushes are superior to ordinary manual toothbrushes in removing dental plaque and can do so in a shorter time.
Children over six years can be taught how to use an electric toothbrush safely. We recommend one with a pressure sensor.

More FAQs

What sort of brush should children use?

There are many different types of children's toothbrushes, including brightly coloured brushes, some that change colour, some with favourite characters on the handle, and some with a timer. These all encourage children to brush their teeth. The most important thing is to use a small-headed toothbrush with soft, nylon bristles, suitable for the age of your child.

If you wish to use an electric toothbrush there is only one specific brand/type that we recommend. An Oral B brush electric brush with a pressure sensor.

What could cause my child to have toothache?

Toothache is painful and upsetting, especially in children, and the main cause is tooth decay. This is due to too much sugar, too often, in the diet.

Teething is another problem. It starts at around 6 months, and it can continue when the adult teeth start to appear. If your child needs pain relief, make sure you choose a sugar-free medicine. If the pain continues then contact your dental team for an appointment. Remember to check with your doctor or pharmacist that you are being prescribed sugar-free medicines at all times.

How can I prevent tooth decay in my child?

The main cause of tooth decay is not the amount of sugar or acid in the diet, but how often it is eaten or drunk. The more often your child has sugary or acidic foods or drinks, the more likely they are to have decay. So it is important to have sugary and acidic foods just at mealtimes. If you want to give your child a snack, try to stick to cheese, vegetables and fruit. Try to limit how much dried fruit you give as it is high in sugar.

Don't give them drinks containing sugars, including fruit juices, between meals. Give them water or milk instead. For babies, don't add sugar to their drinks, or to foods when you introduce them to solids.

It is also worth remembering that some processed baby foods contain quite a lot of sugar. Try checking the list of ingredients: the higher up the list sugar is, the more there is in the product. Generally anything ending in ‘ose' is a sugar, for example: fructose, glucose, lactose or sucrose. Thorough brushing with a fluoride toothpaste last thing at night, and at least one other time during the day, will help to prevent tooth decay.

What if my child is very nervous about going to the dentist?

Children can sense fear in their parents, so it is important not to let your child feel that a visit to the dentist is something to be worried about. Try to be supportive if your child needs to have any dental treatment. If you have any fears of your own about going to the dentist, don't let your child hear you talk about them. Don’t tell your child to be brave! This reinforces the idea that there is something to be worried about.

Regular visits to the dentist are essential in helping your child get used to the surroundings and what happens there. A child can be much more anxious if it is their first visit to a dental practice. Pain and distress can happen at any time and it is important to prepare your child with regular visits.