What happens during this examination?
- Complete inspection of all deciduous teeth (should be 20 teeth now).
- Assessment of caries risk and oral hygiene quality.
- Topical fluoride varnish application (recommended 2x per year).
- Checking for tooth discoloration, spots, or early caries lesions.
- Guidance on proper brushing technique for toddlers.
- Advice on fluoride supplementation (tablets, salt, or toothpaste).
- Nutritional counseling focusing on sugar reduction and tooth-friendly snacks.
- Assessment of jaw development and bite alignment.
- Discussion of non-nutritive sucking habits (pacifier, thumb) and weaning strategies.
Preparation Tips
- Prepare your child by reading a picture book about dentist visits.
- Schedule appointment for morning hours when child is well-rested.
- Bring the yellow checkup booklet and vaccination record.
- Practice opening mouth wide and counting teeth at home.
Questions for your doctor
- How many teeth should my child have at this age?
- Is my child's fluoride intake sufficient?
- When should we start using regular fluoride toothpaste?
- How do I break the pacifier habit?
When to call the doctor
- White or brown spots on the teeth (initial signs of caries).
- Swollen, red, or bleeding gums.
- Teeth that are sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Prolonged bottle use or nighttime bottle with milk/juice.
- Visible plaque buildup despite brushing attempts.
- Delayed tooth eruption (no molars by 33 months).
Parent Tips
- Brush teeth twice daily with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (1000-1500 ppm).
- Parents should perform the actual brushing; let child "practice" first.
- Discontinue bottle use completely by 12-18 months; switch to cup.
- Avoid sticky sweets, fruit juices, and sweetened teas between meals.
- First permanent molars erupt around age 6; keep them clean with regular checkups.