Dubai, UAE- Dental appointments are vital for maintaining one's overall health and wellness for patients of all ages. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has long recommended that regular dental checkups and cleanings for children should start from the time their first tooth appears or by the age of one.

“Taking your children for their regular dental appointments is the best way to understand their oral development and maintenance,” says Dr. Yasmin Kottait, one of the best Pediatric Dentists in Dubai. “This also helps us monitor the way your child’s teeth come out and jaw develops and recommend necessary interventions if required.”

While most dentists for children in Dubai provide comprehensive consultations for children and keep you informed about everything you need to know, parents are encouraged to ask questions that will help them ensure their little one’s oral and dental health. To get you started, here are seven questions you should ask your Pediatric Dentist the next time you take your child for an appointment-

When and how should I brush my child’s teeth?
You should start brushing your child’s teeth from the time their first tooth comes out. Starting young will also help you set a routine for your child.

To brush your baby's teeth it's best to put them on your knee, holding their head against your chest. As the child gets older, you can stand behind them and tilt their head backward to help them brush. Ensure that you are brushing their teeth in small circles to cover all the surfaces. You can also encourage your little one to spit out the toothpaste afterward.
You should brush your little one’s teeth yourself until they are old and independent enough to try it on their own, which is around the age of 10 years of age. Even so, the best advice is that you supervise your child’s brushing until the age of 12 to ensure that they are doing it properly. Children should brush their teeth and tongue for two minutes, two times each day.

What type of toothbrush and toothpaste should we use?
There are many child-friendly kinds of toothpaste and toothbrushes in the market for you to choose from. These kinds of toothpaste are milder than adult toothpaste so swallowing a little bit won’t cause them any trouble. Sometimes your kid’s dentist may recommend fluoride toothpaste for your little one to strengthen their enamel and keep their teeth strong. For children between the ages of 0 to 2, use a smear of toothpaste; for children between ages 3 and 6 years, use a pea-sized amount.

You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush that is gentle on the gums to brush your child’s teeth. As your child starts brushing their teeth, you can help them choose a toothbrush with a bigger base so that they can hold it firmly for brushing.

How often should I bring in my child for a checkup?
Children’s dentists recommend a check-up every six months to observe their oral health and keep cavities and other dental problems away. You may need to visit more frequently if your child requires interventions and treatments.

Does thumb-sucking affect my little one’s teeth?
Thumb sucking in babies is part of their physical development. It only becomes a problem when it goes on for a long time. While many children stop this habit on their own by the age of three, others may require behavioral or appliance therapy to break out of it. Your Pediatric Dentist may recommend the same if thumbsucking has gone beyond the age of 6.

How can I prevent tooth decay in my children?
Cavities are one of the most common dental issues in children. To keep cavities away effectively, parents are asked to help children develop the routine of brushing and flossing their teeth early on and take their young ones to see a children’s dentist near them every six months.

Apart from that, it’s best to limit your children's sugar intake as they grow older to keep cavities away. Instead, you should encourage them to enjoy a balanced diet that includes fiber-rich fruits and vegetables.

What should I do if my child has a loose tooth?
A loose tooth often falls out naturally. In the meantime, ensure that your child eats soft foods and chews on the opposite side of the loose tooth. You can also help your child keep the area clean by gently brushing and rinsing. If your child has a stubborn tooth that’s refusing to fall off on its own, talk to your Pediatric Dentist.

How can I help my child get used to their dental appointment?
As children grow older and become more aware of their surroundings, some of them start to become nervous about dental appointments. To help put your child at ease, always choose a pediatric dental clinic in Dubai. These clinics are specifically designed with playful energy to keep your child happy and interested at all times. The Pediatric Dentists in these clinics are equipped to deal with nervous little patients and will surely put a smile on their faces by the end of the consultation. You should also bring in your child for their appointments without delays to get them used to the idea of regular dental checkups.

To consult with a Pediatric Dentist near you, reach out to Dr. Yasmin Kottait today.

About Dr. Yasmin Kottait: Having dedicated 16 years of her career to spreading smiles and imparting knowledge of oral hygiene to children, Dr. Yasmin is a renowned name and face in the field of pediatric dentistry in Dubai. Her joyful personality and magical kid-whispering powers make dental appointments for kids an easy sail – and lots of fun, that they never miss a single dental appointment with her! Dr. Yasmin is also one of the few Autism friendly dentists in the region, with a diploma in Cognitive Based Hypnotherapy and IBCCES Autism certification.