Your child’s first tooth is an exciting milestone. However, the occurrence of a cavity is not. Cavities can develop early on and are prevalent in children as young as three. Most parents have some common questions regarding children’s dentistry. When should my child first see a dentist? What do I do at home? Do sealants and fluoride help?
Those questions are fair because cavities start early. A study of 700 children aged 3 to 5 in Lahore district found tooth decay in 40.5 percent of them. The rate was 33.3 percent at age 3 and 75 percent at age 5.
In this guide, you will get all the information you need. We’ll tell you what the correct age is to take your child to the dentist, how to care for their milk teeth, and which is the best pediatric dentist in Lahore for your child.
When to Book the First Dental Visit for Your Child?
Book the first visit within six months after your child’s first tooth appears. Do not go past the first birthday. That is the advice of the American Dental Association (ADA), and our dentists give the same advice.
Although it seems early, it actually fits in well with the stages of a baby’s teeth. Most babies will get their first teeth at around 6 months old. However, some won’t get their first until they’re 12 or 14 months old. As soon as they get their teeth, they’re at risk of getting tooth decay (ADA).
In the initial appointment, the dentist will look at their mouth to see if their teeth and jaws are developing correctly. You’ll also get tips on how to brush their teeth, what to feed them, and any habits you should be doing at home.
What Happens at the First Pediatric Dental Visit
The dentist will examine your child and look for any damage, tooth decay, and other issues. They will inform you whether your child is at risk of tooth decay and clean the teeth. You will discuss teething, pacifier, and thumb use. You will then arrange an appointment for next time.
Try to stay positive and do not let your worries show. Children are very aware of our emotions. Choose a time when your child will be well rested. Many toddlers will be ready after their nap.
Some restlessness is normal for this age. Our dentists schedule appointments to fit around short attention spans. The room will be relaxed. Most children will have an appointment every 6 months after their first visit.
If your child has autism or struggles with new environments, please let us know when booking. We can schedule a longer first appointment. We can show your child the room and equipment. Taking some breaks is also fine. Please see our children’s dentistry page for more information.
Milk Teeth Care at Home
Milk teeth are temporary, but they do real work. The ADA says they help your child chew, speak, and smile, and they help adult teeth come in the right way. Most children have all 20 milk teeth by age 3.
Start cleaning before the first tooth shows. After each feeding, wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth or gauze. Once teeth come in, brush twice a day, morning and night, with a soft, child-size toothbrush. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, until age 3. From age 3 to 6, use a pea-sized amount. Once two teeth touch, clean between them every day.
Bottles and sugar need care too. Cavities in babies often start in the upper front teeth. The ADA names two common causes: frequent, long contact with sugary drinks, and a bottle at bedtime or one used as a pacifier. Put only milk, formula, or breast milk in bottles.
Skip sugar water, juice, and soft drinks. Let your baby finish the bedtime bottle before sleep, and move to a cup by the first birthday. If your child uses a pacifier, keep it clean and never dip it in sugar or honey. Try not to share spoons either, because cavity-causing bacteria travel in saliva.
Dental Sealants for Kids
A sealant is a very thin protective layer that is painted onto the chewing surface of a back tooth. This creates a barrier between bacteria/food and the deep grooves that are hard to clean with a toothbrush. The CDC says sealants protect against 80 percent of cavities for 2 years and 50 percent for up to 4 years.
Sealants can be applied very quickly. Your dentist will paint them onto the tooth, and they will then set. They will only be on the chewing surface, so your child will still need to brush all surfaces and clean between their teeth. When you come in for your check-up around 6 years old, you can ask if your child is suitable for sealants on their first molars. We provide sealants at our clinic.
Fluoride for Children
Fluoride makes enamel more resistant to decay and helps repair weak enamel. Your child gets it from toothpaste, from some tap water, and from professional treatments.
Start with toothpaste. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends fluoride toothpaste from the first tooth, regardless of your child’s cavity risk. Use the rice-grain and pea-sized amounts, and supervise so your child does not swallow extra. The AAP also says to skip over-the-counter fluoride rinse before age 6, because young children may swallow too much.
Bottled water may not have fluoride in it at all, so if your child drinks mainly bottled water, they can miss out! If this sounds familiar, then speak to your dentist to find out what your child needs.
When Milk Teeth Fall Out
Children usually lose their front milk teeth between the ages of 5-6 and around 12/13. Permanent molars will also appear during this time.
If the tooth falls out naturally, there is nothing to worry about. Simply rinse their mouth with warm water. If they break a tooth due to a fall or an injury, contact your paediatric dentist immediately. For more information, see our emergency dentist page.
Many issues with crooked teeth and jaw alignment can occur during this time. We recommend that you take them to see an orthodontist early on (aged 7-9) to get advice to avoid crowding and reduce future treatments.
Pediatric Dental Treatments & Preventive Care
| Treatment / Service | Target Age | Primary Benefit | Treatment Frequency |
| Fluoride Varnish | 6 Mos – 6+ Yrs | Fortifies tooth enamel & reverses early decay | Every 3 to 6 months |
| Dental Sealants | 6 – 12+ Yrs | Shields deep molar grooves against 80% of cavities | Applied as adult molars erupt |
| Scale & Clean | 3+ Years | Removes plaque buildup & cleans along the gumline | Every 6 months |
| Tooth Fillings | All Ages | Restores decayed milk/adult teeth without pain | As needed upon diagnosis |
| Orthodontic Check | 7 – 9 Years | Catches overcrowding & jaw misalignment early | Initial screening at age 7–9 |
How We Can Help
Rahman & Rahman Dental is the best pediatric dental clinic in Lahore. Our team offers the best children’s dentistry services. We provide dental check-ups, scaling & cleaning, fluoride application, sealants, fillings, extraction of milk teeth, and early orthodontic evaluations for your child.
We are open from 12 noon to 9 pm, Monday to Saturday. Please contact us for availability.
FAQs:
How old should my child be to get their first dental appointment?
The ADA recommends seeing a dentist within 6 months of their first tooth erupting or by their first birthday. Many babies will go for an appointment between 6 and 12 months old.
How often should my child see their dentist?
We recommend checking your child’s teeth every 6 months. If they are at increased risk of getting tooth decay, your dentist may recommend a different interval.
Are dental sealants useful for children?
Yes! Sealants help reduce the chance of getting cavities by 80% in the first 2 years, 50% in up to 4 years. They can be placed right away once your child’s first molar has come through. Usually around 6 years old.
Is fluoride safe for my child?
Yes! It is recommended that children receive the correct amount of fluoride. We recommend using fluoride toothpaste from the first tooth. Before age 3, we recommend using a smear the size of a grain of rice. From ages 3-6, use a pea-sized amount. Make sure you supervise your child while brushing.
Where can I find a paediatric dentist in DHA Lahore?
We are located at Packages Mall, Khayaban-e-Iqbal, DHA Phase 3, Lahore. We see children from the first tooth right up until they become teenagers. Call us on 0322 2231119 or book online.
