What it is
Milk teeth matter. They help children chew, speak and hold space for the adult teeth coming in. Decay in milk teeth can cause pain and infection, and can affect the teeth developing underneath.
Children's visits at Tooth & Care move at the child's pace. Dr. Palak explains each step in words they understand, shows them the instruments first, and keeps early visits short and positive.
When you might need it
- Your child's first tooth has come in, or they're about a year old
- White or brown spots, or holes, on the teeth
- Your child complains of pain, or avoids chewing on one side
- A tooth has been knocked or chipped
- Thumb-sucking continues past early childhood, or the bite looks uneven
Only an examination can confirm what a symptom means. If any of these sound familiar, book a consultation.
What happens at Tooth & Care
- Get familiarA gentle look at the teeth, often on a parent's lap for little ones.
- Check and explainTeeth, gums and bite checked; findings explained to you and your child.
- PreventFluoride application and pit-and-fissure sealants, where useful.
- Treat if neededFillings or, for deeper decay, nerve treatment of milk teeth.
How long it takes
Check-ups are short, usually 15 to 20 minutes. Most children benefit from a visit every six months.
Afterwards
- Brush twice a day: a rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste under age 3, a pea-sized amount from 3 to 6
- Help with brushing until your child can do it well, usually around 7 or 8
- Keep sweets and sugary drinks to mealtimes, not between meals
- Don't send a child to bed with a bottle of milk or juice
Questions patients ask
When should my child first see a dentist?
Around the first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth appearing.
Milk teeth fall out anyway. Why treat them?
Decayed milk teeth can hurt, get infected and affect the adult teeth underneath. Some milk teeth stay until age 10 to 12.
My child is scared. What should I say?
Keep it simple and positive, and avoid words like "hurt" or "injection". Let Dr. Palak explain the rest.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Dr. Palak will advise you after examining your teeth.
