Good to Know – Pediatric Dental Care

When should my child visit the dentist for the first time?

Ideally from the very first tooth. We're here with advice and support even before the first tooth appears.

How often should we go to the dentist?

A check-up every six months is important not just to monitor your child’s teeth, but also to help them feel comfortable with dental visits.

When should I start brushing my child’s teeth?

From the first tooth – using a fingertip brush or a toothbrush suitable for their age. To get your child used to it, brushing should happen in the morning and evening. Use fluoride toothpaste once a day (in the evening) until age two, then twice a day.

When and why should my child start using dental floss?

This depends on how close the baby teeth are. Once the second molars come in, the teeth shift closer together. If baby teeth touch, a toothbrush alone can’t clean all five surfaces – flossing is needed to prevent cavities between the teeth. Your dentist will tell you when it's time. Flossing should be done once daily, in the evening before brushing.

Why is bottle-feeding, especially before sleep, harmful for teeth?

Long-term use can cause poor tongue posture, but most importantly, it can lead to bottle caries. Liquids from the bottle often pool behind the front teeth, softening enamel and causing decay. 

In the early years, children don’t just wake up because they’re hungry – sometimes they simply need us.

Is breastfeeding safe for teeth?

Exclusive breastfeeding (without solids) does not cause tooth decay. But once solid foods are introduced, the risk of cavities increases, and nighttime nursing should be stopped. 

Oral care becomes more important. Breastfeeding has benefits too: the act of nursing requires much more effort than bottle-feeding and promotes healthy lower jaw development.

When can my child start using Elmex Gelée?

Elmex Gelée, due to its higher fluoride content, is available only at pharmacies. It’s suitable from around age 6 or with the first permanent teeth. Use once a week.

What should I do if my child injures a tooth (e.g., a fall)?

Please visit our Munich practice immediately, even if it doesn’t look serious. As your pediatric dentist, we can do a full exam and advise if treatment is needed. 

Tooth injury – baby teeth: 
If a baby tooth is completely knocked out, it should not be reinserted. Can’t find the tooth? It may have been pushed up into the jaw – we’ll need an X-ray to confirm. Broken baby teeth usually aren’t glued back but may be covered with a special resin. If a tooth is very loose, it might need to be removed. If there's bleeding, a baby root canal may rarely be needed. 

Tooth injury – permanent teeth: 
If a piece breaks off, bring it with you – it can often be reattached! Important: never store the tooth dry. If you don’t have a tooth rescue box (Dentosafe), put the tooth in cold milk and come to us right away. If an entire tooth is knocked out: handle only the crown (not the root), place it in milk or a rescue box, and come to us immediately. If you feel confident and the tooth is clean, you may gently rinse it and reinsert it – but only if there’s no blood clot yet. This may be painful. Even without visible damage, splinting the tooth for 2–3 weeks is often necessary. An X-ray helps detect fractures and serves as a reference for later checks.

The fall was a while ago and now the tooth is discolored?

Mild yellowing is usually harmless. Grey or black discoloration may result from bleeding inside the tooth – please come in for a check-up. We’ll also check for looseness or possible inflammation.

When can my child’s teeth be sealed?

Permanent molars can be sealed once they are fully erupted. Baby teeth with deep grooves may also benefit from sealants. Learn more about sealants for children’s teeth.

What if my child has a swollen cheek or mouth?

Please call us right away so we can assess the situation.

My child refuses to eat or drink, has a red mouth and white blisters.

This could have several causes and often requires medication – please book an appointment.

When should we stop using a pacifier?

Ideally between 2.5 and 3 years of age – unless your pediatric dentist advises otherwise. 

The longer a pacifier is used for comfort, the harder it is to stop. 

Try inventing a little story and let your child "give" it to the pacifier fairy, Easter Bunny, Santa, or a younger sibling. Important: don’t keep an emergency pacifier – consistency is key. The first three nights can be tough!

What are the effects of pacifier use?

Pacifiers can cause jaw misalignment, especially in the front. The extent depends on how long and how often it’s used. Try to manage without it during the day, and avoid pacifier clips. A child’s mouth is key to sensory development and exploring the world. Pacifiers don’t cause cavities – but they do interfere with oral development when used excessively. They can lead to open mouth posture and poor jaw muscle tone, affecting growth. If the back of the tongue doesn’t contact the palate regularly, growth-stimulating effects on the jawbone are lost.

How can we stop thumb-sucking?

Thumb-sucking causes the same issues as pacifiers. By the time your child starts speaking, sucking habits should ideally be gone. We’re happy to support you with tips – every child is different, so let’s talk!

How long before anesthesia should my child stop eating and drinking?

Your child must fast for 6 hours – including milk. Water may be consumed up to 2 hours before the appointment. After that, nothing at all (not even gum). Always follow the instructions from your anesthesiologist and dentist – it’s for your child’s safety.

What should I watch out for after anesthesia?

Your child must be supervised. Spend a quiet day at home. Most children feel fine again by the afternoon, but no sports that day. What your child can eat depends on the treatment and will be explained after the procedure.

How do I care for my child’s teeth with fixed braces?

There are special care routines for braces. Use Superfloss or interdental brushes, oral irrigators, mouthwash, and more. We’ll explain everything in person. Professional cleanings are especially important for braces wearers.

When can my child start using an electric toothbrush?

From age 3, unless advised otherwise. A parent should supervise to prevent gum injury. Parents may also use one earlier to brush their child’s teeth.

How long should I brush my child’s teeth for them?

Until around age 8 – or when your child can write in cursive. That’s a good indicator of the fine motor skills needed. 5-year-olds clean only about 25% of their teeth on their own.

How do I clean a removable retainer?

Use special cleaning tablets once a week. For daily cleaning, a regular toothbrush and toothpaste are enough.

How long should a removable retainer be worn each day?

Ideally 16 hours a day. It can stay home during school but should be worn while doing homework, sleeping, etc.