Some of the most common questions parents ask are:
“When should the first dental visit be?”
“Is pacifier or thumb sucking harmful?”
“My child doesn’t brush their teeth, what should I do?”
“Should children’s toothpaste contain fluoride?”

In this article, we answer all these questions based on expert recommendations.

When should the first dental examination be done?

Organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), American Dental Association (ADA), and World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that the first dental visit should take place after the eruption of the first primary tooth or no later than 1 year of age.

This early examination is crucial both for preventing cavities and establishing proper oral hygiene habits.

What happens during the first dental visit?

• The number and alignment of teeth are checked
• The child’s caries risk is assessed
• Parents are educated on proper oral care methods
• Teeth are cleaned and fluoride application is performed
• Habits such as pacifier use, bottle feeding, and night feeding are evaluated

If the caries risk is not high, check-ups every 6 months are recommended. These visits usually include dental cleaning and fluoride application (prophylaxis).

Is pacifier use or thumb sucking harmful?

Yes. Long-term pacifier use or thumb sucking can lead to dental and jaw development problems.

• Upper front teeth may be pushed forward, creating a “buck teeth” appearance
• The upper jaw may narrow, affecting tooth alignment
• Jaw development may be negatively affected, leading to future crowding
• Thumb sucking can alter tongue posture, causing speech issues and lisping

When does it become harmful?

• 0–1 year: normal, has a soothing effect
• Up to 2 years: minimal harm, but discontinuation is recommended
• After 3 years: dental and jaw changes may begin
• 4 years and older: permanent damage may occur

What should and shouldn’t be done about pacifier and thumb sucking?

Things to avoid:

• Do not dip pacifiers or bottles in honey or jam → increases cavity risk
• Do not use pacifiers as long-term soothing tools
• Do not ignore thumb-sucking habits

Recommendations for stopping the habit:

• Encourage weaning from the pacifier around age 2 (gradual reduction works best)
• Use positive reinforcement (“You’re so grown-up for not sucking your thumb”)
• Offer distractions during the day (toys, books, games)
• For older children, reward charts or behavioral therapy can be used
• In long-lasting cases, seek help from a dentist; special appliances may be used

My child doesn’t brush their teeth, what should I do?

Building a brushing habit in children requires patience. First, try to understand the reason. Does it hurt? Do they dislike the taste?

• Brush together with parents → children imitate adults
• Turn brushing into a game → songs, dancing, toys
• Choose the right toothbrush → small head, child’s preferred color/design
• Be consistent → brushing twice daily becomes lifelong if established early

How should children brush their teeth? Which toothpaste should be used?

• Twice a day (after breakfast and before bed)
• For 2 minutes
• With fluoride toothpaste
• Nothing except water should be consumed after brushing

Toothpastes sold as “natural” but without fluoride do not protect against cavities.

Fluoride amount and toothpaste usage by age:

• 0–3 years: 1000 ppm – rice grain size
• 3–6 years: 1000 ppm – lentil size
• 6+ years: 1450 ppm – pea size
• 0–3 years: parents should brush
• 3–6 years: child brushes first, parents must supervise
• 4–5+ years: dental floss should be introduced to clean between teeth

Healthy smile through early habits

The first dental visit, managing pacifier and thumb-sucking habits, proper brushing, and fluoride toothpaste use determine your child’s future dental health. Habits formed at a young age are the foundation of a lifelong healthy and confident smile.