Deeksha Dental Care

No teeth yet — but oral care should begin from day one.

• After every feed, gently wipe baby's gums with a clean damp cloth
• Always clean gums after the last night feed — bacteria multiply most during sleep
• Never let baby sleep with a bottle — this causes "Baby Bottle Tooth Decay"
• When the first tooth appears (usually 6–8 months), begin using a soft baby finger brush
• A first dental visit is recommended within the first year of life

Most primary teeth erupt during this period — up to 16 of the 20 total.

• Begin using a rice-grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste — no more
• Brush twice daily — do it yourself first and teach your child the technique
• Avoid juice and sweet drinks — water and milk are the best options
• Always brush before bedtime — give nothing to eat or drink after
• If your child is using a thumb or pacifier excessively, consult your dentist about correction
• Begin regular 6-monthly dental check-ups

All primary teeth are now fully erupted and permanent teeth are beginning to develop underneath.

• Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste — teach your child to spit, not swallow
• Parents should still supervise and assist brushing — children this age cannot do it effectively alone
• Begin flossing when two adjacent teeth are touching
• Avoid sugary school tiffin — or pack a toothbrush for after lunch
• Use a mouthguard for any contact sport
• Pay extra attention to the first permanent molar (6-year molar) — it is highly cavity-prone
• Ask your dentist about dental sealants — they protect permanent molars from cavities

This is the most critical stage — primary and permanent teeth coexist. This is the "Mixed Dentition" period and requires extra care.

• Monitor the process of baby teeth falling and permanent teeth erupting
• If teeth are not erupting straight, see an orthodontist — check if braces timing is right
• Let children brush independently but do weekly checks to ensure quality
• Care for both types of teeth simultaneously during this transition period
• Cavities in the 6-year molar are very common — regular professional cleaning is essential
• Restrict cold drinks, chips, and candy — especially during school hours
• Address mouth breathing — it affects jaw development and tooth alignment. Consult your dentist.

Permanent teeth are nearly complete. This is prime time for braces and wisdom tooth monitoring.

• If orthodontic treatment is needed, age 12–14 is the ideal time for braces
• Gum disease risk increases during teenage years due to hormonal changes — regular professional cleaning is essential
• A sports mouthguard is mandatory for any contact sport
• If wearing braces, brushing and flossing require extra care and technique
• Get a wisdom teeth X-ray (OPG) at age 17–18 to plan ahead
• Cola, energy drinks, and junk food cause long-term enamel erosion — limit significantly
• Build self-care habits now — self-discipline becomes more important than parental supervision

This is the most common dental problem in Indian children aged 0–3. Giving milk, juice, or any sweet drink in a bottle throughout the night causes the upper front teeth to decay and crumble.

• Even milk contains natural sugar (lactose) that feeds cavity-causing bacteria at night
• It begins as white spots, progresses to brown discoloration, then tooth breakdown
• Prevention: Always clean the gums or teeth after the last feed — never leave a bottle in the crib overnight
• If it has already occurred: Visit a dentist immediately — treatment is possible and necessary

If baby teeth are lost too early, or if there is insufficient jaw space, permanent teeth erupt crowded and misaligned.

• Space Maintainer: If a milk tooth is lost prematurely, your dentist can place a space maintainer to preserve alignment
• An orthodontic evaluation is recommended at age 7–8 to catch alignment issues early
• Braces or clear aligners give the best results when started between ages 12–14
• Prolonged thumb sucking and pacifier use also contribute to crowding and misalignment

Many Indian parents do not notice that their child breathes through the mouth at night. This is a serious issue that requires early attention.

• Chronic mouth breathing causes oral dryness, significantly increasing cavity risk
• It disrupts jaw development and can cause long face syndrome
• Teeth crowding ka risk badhta hai
• Reason: adenoids, tonsils, allergies, deviated septum
• Consult your dentist — an ENT specialist may also be needed if adenoids are involved