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Children's dentistry

Children's dentistry in Singapore

Gentle, unhurried care that builds good habits early, from the first visit through to early orthodontics.

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A child smiling in the dental chair at Align Dental Surgery on Orchard Road

Good experiences early on shape how a child feels about the dentist for life. We keep visits relaxed and friendly, explain things in a way children understand, and never rush. Parents are welcome to stay alongside their child.

Beyond looking after baby and adult teeth, children's visits are a chance to spot things early: a narrow palate, crowded teeth, a habit of mouth breathing, or signs of disturbed sleep. Catching these while a child is still growing means we have more, and gentler, options. Where it is relevant, we will talk you through whether early orthodontic or airway-focused treatment makes sense.

Start them young

A child can start visiting the dentist from as young as 6 to 12 months of age. Starting early lets us assess your child's caries risk, evaluate their oral habits, and customise a programme specific to your child, so we can detect, anticipate and prevent future dental problems.

We care for infants, children and adolescents, including those with special needs. Our dentists, including Dr. Alexia Kwan, Dr. Priyanji De Silva and Dr. Krushna Reddy, take care to give children a positive experience, so they can have fun while developing strong oral habits for the rest of their life.

3D illustration of teeth with inlay, onlay and crown fillings, used to explain children's dental care at Align Dental Surgery

Your child's first tooth

The first tooth usually appears by around six months of age, and by age three, all of the milk teeth are normally in position.

At around age six, most of the permanent teeth begin to appear. The lower permanent molars are usually the first to come through, emerging behind the back milk teeth, even before the front teeth are replaced.

As the new lower front teeth come through, they can look crooked at first. This is normal, so there is no need to worry.

A young child's baby teeth coming through, cared for at Align Dental Surgery

Why your child's first teeth matter

It is a common assumption that the first set of teeth matters less because it will be replaced. In fact, milk teeth are important.

Milk teeth are vulnerable to decay, which can cause severe pain and can infect the underlying permanent tooth that is already sitting in the jawbone from a very early age. As milk teeth decay very easily, good home care and parental supervision are very important.

Losing milk teeth early can also cause the permanent teeth to erupt out of alignment, which is another reason to look after them well.

A baby's first tooth emerging, the start of lifelong dental care at Align Dental Surgery

Care for children

The Align Dental difference

Why patients choose us

  • Unhurried, friendly visits

    We take the time to help children feel at ease, so dental visits become routine rather than scary.

  • Early eyes on growth

    We watch how the jaws and bite are developing, so we can act early when it makes the biggest difference.

  • Whole-family appointments

    Bring siblings and parents together; we are happy to see everyone in one visit.

Questions & answers

Children's dentistry: common questions

When should my child first see a dentist?
A good guide is to bring your child for a first dental visit by around their first birthday, or when the first teeth come through, whichever is sooner. Early visits are mostly about getting your child comfortable, checking that teeth are coming through normally, and giving you advice on cleaning, feeding and habits like thumb-sucking. After that, regular check-ups, usually every six to twelve months, let us catch decay early and watch how the jaws and bite are developing. If your child has never been, it is never too late, just book in.
How can I help my child avoid cavities?
Brush your child's teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, using a smear for under-threes and a pea-sized amount after that, and help them brush until they have the dexterity to do a thorough job on their own, usually around age seven or eight. Limit sugary and acidic drinks and snacks, especially between meals, and offer water rather than juice or soft drinks. Bring them for regular check-ups so we can apply fluoride or sealants where useful and catch any early decay. We are happy to go through a routine that works for your family at your visit.
Does my child need early orthodontic treatment?
Many children do not, but some benefit from starting while the jaws are still growing, particularly where the upper jaw is narrow, the bite is off, or there are signs of mouth breathing or disrupted sleep. Early treatment, such as Invisalign First or the Invisalign Palatal Expander, can guide growth and create room for the teeth and the airway in a way that is harder to achieve later. We assess each child individually and will only recommend early treatment if there is a clear reason for it. Our airway self-screening questionnaire is a useful starting point if you have concerns.

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