What happens during this examination?
- Inspection of the erupted deciduous teeth (incisors and first molars).
- Assessment of oral hygiene and caries risk.
- Topical fluoride varnish application (if indicated).
- Checking of sucking habits (thumb, pacifier) and their effect on jaw development.
- Advice on weaning the baby bottle and introducing a cup.
Preparation Tips
- Practice opening the mouth wide with your child like a "lion" or "hippo".
- Do not use the dentist as a threat.
Questions for your doctor
- Is the eruption of teeth proceeding normally?
- How should I brush my toddler's teeth?
- Is a pacifier harmful to the teeth?
When to call the doctor
- Early childhood caries (brown spots, especially on the upper incisors).
- Gums that bleed easily during brushing.
- Prolonged use of a bottle or frequent breastfeeding at night.
Parent Tips
- Brush your child's teeth twice a day with a child-sized toothbrush and a grain-of-rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- Switch from bottle to cup as early as possible (ideally by 12 months).
- Schedule dental visits every 6 months.