Instilling good dental health practices from an early age is crucial for children to maintain optimal oral hygiene throughout their lives. The Tooth Fairy Programme supports this by helping parents and children build a positive relationship with dental visits in Singapore.
This programme transforms dental appointments into enjoyable and comfortable experiences, recognising the importance of treating every child as unique. It emphasises making each visit memorable, where children feel valued and engaged in their dental health journey. As a key feature of the Tooth Fairy Programme, children will receive a personalised dental health book from their dentists, chronicling their dental milestones and appointments.
The little ones are naturally more curious or fearful about visits to the dentist. As such, dentists in Singapore employ a compassionate and kid-friendly approach, supported by various dental technologies, to offer customised dental solutions for children aged 12 and below.
Whether it’s a routine check-up, the simple process of removing a decaying tooth, or a long-term braces procedure, the dentist strives to make every dental visit enjoyable and stress-free, fostering a more positive outlook toward dental health from an early age.
The dentists will help to identify the risk level for cavity development and other oral health diseases in infants, children and adolescents, offering guidance for preventive care.
Orthodontic services, such as braces and clear aligners, can help address misaligned teeth or bite issues in children. The earlier these issues are detected and addressed, the shorter the care duration.
Accidents can happen, causing children to fracture their primary or permanent teeth. Dentists are prepared to provide prompt care, ensuring your child’s well-being.
Fluoride application can help strengthen teeth and prevent decay. The dentist may apply a specific fluoride concentration to the kid’s teeth, providing a protective barrier and repairing minor tooth enamel damage.
Dental sealants are protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They block out germs and food, helping to reduce the risk of cavities in children’s molars.
A dental filling can help restore a tooth if a kid develops a cavity. The dentist may remove the decayed area and fill the space with material like composite resin or amalgam to prevent further damage.
Tooth extractions involve removing a tooth, usually due to severe decay, infection, or orthodontic requirements. It’s performed with care to minimise discomfort and promote healing in a child’s mouth.
A tooth crown is a custom-fitted cap that covers a damaged or decayed tooth. It aims to restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance, allowing children to chew comfortably and smile confidently.
Prevention is key to maintaining oral health. As such, dentists will personalise care plans to support the prevention of cavities in your kid’s teeth. Strategies include:
Establishing healthy eating habits and food choices from an early age is crucial. A poor diet can contribute to various health issues, including obesity and tooth decay in children. Dentists aim to inform children about the significance of a balanced diet in oral health.
Professional fluoride applications involve applying fluoride directly to the teeth. This mineral application helps strengthen the teeth, aids in cavity prevention, and helps to reduce tooth sensitivity in children.
Deep grooves and pits in children’s teeth can trap food and plaque, which regular toothbrush bristles may not effectively remove. Sealants are used to fill and cover these deep grooves, helping to protect the teeth from decay.
As children grow, their dental needs evolve, influencing the frequency of dental visits. Generally, a dental check-up every six months is recommended for preventative care, though this may vary based on the child’s individual dental health needs.
If a child is at an increased risk for cavities or other dental concerns, more frequent visits to the dentist may be necessary. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for preventing more serious dental issues, which can save time and money while helping your child maintain a healthy smile.
A kid’s first dental visit should ideally occur with the eruption of their first tooth. While intervention may not be required at this early stage, early visits are beneficial for familiarising the child with the dental office environment, reducing anxiety about future visits, and establishing trust with the dentist.
Early dental check-ups can also play a vital role in promoting good oral hygiene habits. Many young children are susceptible to early childhood tooth decay, often related to prolonged bottle feeding, which could necessitate fillings or extractions if left unchecked. However, such conditions are preventable, and a dentist can provide valuable guidance on protecting your child’s dental health as they grow.
Preparing your child for their first dental appointment can be straightforward and enjoyable. Introducing them to the concept through children’s books about dental visits can demystify the experience, making it less daunting. Instead of focusing solely on the visit’s importance, you might compare it to routine activities, like a trip to the supermarket.
Choosing dental clinics and dentists experienced with children, such as those at Family Dental Centre, is crucial. Engaging in pretend play at home, simulating a dental check-up with a toothbrush, can familiarise them with what to expect, gently easing them to the upcoming experience.
The dentist is dedicated to creating a warm, child-friendly atmosphere, recognising the importance of a relaxed and reassuring dental visit. For instance, our dental clinic in Capeview has kid-friendly decor in the children’s treatment area, a selection of toys to play with in the waiting area or during appointments, and an overhead TV displaying cartoons to entertain during check-ups. Plus, there’s a special selfie spot to capture and celebrate their dental milestones.
Furthermore, the dentist will gently introduce your child to the dental chair and other equipment used — helping them gain familiarity, and removing any fear or apprehension they may have before commencing the dental treatment. The dentist will then assess your child’s teeth and gums. If there are no issues, the dentist will clean the teeth and apply some fluoride to help prevent cavities.
*Parents should note that these amenities are available at select clinics. We encourage contacting our team to confirm the availability of these features at your preferred dental clinic.
Bottle feeding and breastfeeding both carry certain dental considerations. Avoid letting your child fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, or juice, as the sugars present in these may lead to tooth decay. Additionally, continue to clean your child’s gums during the breastfeeding phase, even before the teeth emerge, using a soft, damp cloth. This is a step recommended by kids’ dentists across Singapore to prevent early childhood caries.
Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day with age-appropriate toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. The goal here is not just the frequency of brushing but its effectiveness — ensuring that all corners of the mouth are reached and cleaned thoroughly. A dentist for kids can provide guidance and fun techniques to make this essential routine enjoyable, emphasising the role of proper oral care in maintaining a healthy and vibrant smile.
Thumb-sucking is a common habit for many infants and toddlers, and generally harmless at a very young age. However, if this habit continues past the age of five, it can affect the alignment of their teeth and the shape of their mouth. Early dental visits and discussions with a children’s dentist can help in understanding the best approaches to encourage your child to break the habit, ensuring it doesn’t impact the future health of their teeth and mouth.
By following these guidelines, you can actively contribute to your child’s oral health, laying the foundation for healthy habits into adulthood. Partnering with a children’s dentist for personalised advice and care can further ensure your child’s dental health remains on the right track.
To find out whether you are a good candidate, schedule an appointment with our dental clinician for
an initial consultation. Once the assessment of your dental health is done, our clinician will work with
you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Choosing the right toothpaste for your children is important and should be based on their age:
For any concerns regarding toothpaste selection, it’s advisable to consult your children’s dentist.
The cost of dental services for children in Singapore can be a concern for parents, potentially impacting the frequency of visits to the dentist. However, early dental care is essential to prevent future oral health issues that could necessitate more complex and expensive services.
As an approved healthcare provider under the Baby Bonus Scheme, parents have the opportunity to use funds from their Child Development Account (CDA) to support their child’s dental visits. For detailed information about the Baby Bonus and other financial assistance programs, please refer to the patient information page.
Since its inception in 2003, Family Dental Centre (FDC) has grown into a network of dental clinics in Singapore, driven by the mission to provide quality and accessible dental care to the community. As part of the Oracare Group and recognised by both the Singapore Medical Council and the Ministry of Health, our focus is on upholding high standards in dental services, a commitment that has led to our inclusion in Dental Asia and listing on HealthHub, Singapore’s leading health portal.
At FDC, understanding and meeting the individual needs of our patients is at the heart of what we do. Our expansion to multiple conveniently located clinics is a reflection of our commitment to making dental care accessible to all, supported by a team of 32 dental surgeons. Continuous professional development is key, ensuring our team is equipped to provide tailored, high-quality care. In recognition of Singapore’s diverse culture and languages, our staff are conversant in English, Mandarin, and Malay, facilitating clear and effective communication with our wide-ranging clientele.
Choosing Family Dental Centre means opting for a partner committed to your long-term dental health. Learn more about FDC and discover how we can be part of your dental care journey.
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