The most common misconception is that baby teeth do not need treating because they will fall out anyway. But the permanent tooth develops beneath the root of the baby tooth. Infection in a baby tooth can damage the forming permanent tooth, and a baby tooth lost too early lets the neighbouring teeth drift in, leaving no room for the permanent one.
How to spot decay
- White matt spots at the gum line, especially on the upper front teeth. This is early decay — still reversible at this stage.
- Brown or black marks in the grooves of the teeth.
- The child complains of sensitivity to sweet or cold.
- The child chews on one side.
- Bad breath that does not clear after brushing.
The enamel of baby teeth is thinner than on permanent teeth, so decay spreads faster — in months rather than years.
The main causes
- Sweet drinks from a bottle, especially at night. Juice, sweetened tea and even milk at night keep a constant acid attack going. Saliva flow drops at night and the natural protection is gone.
- How often they snack. Every exposure to sugar triggers an acid attack lasting about 30 minutes. Five snacks a day is worse for teeth than one dessert.
- Insufficient brushing. A child cannot clean their own teeth properly until around age 8.
- Bacterial transfer. Decay-causing bacteria pass from adult to child — via a shared spoon or putting a dummy in your mouth.
What genuinely prevents it
- Fluoride toothpaste in the right amount. Under 3 years a grain of rice, ages 3–6 a pea-sized amount.
- A parent brushes afterwards. Until about age 8 a parent goes over the teeth, especially in the evening.
- Do not rinse after brushing. Spit out the excess but do not rinse with water — the fluoride needs to stay on the tooth.
- Sealants. Sealing the grooves of the back teeth soon after they erupt. At Unidenta, preventive procedures (fluoride, sealant) up to 4 teeth — €15.
- Water for thirst, not juice.
When to visit the dentist first
Around the first birthday, or at the latest when the first teeth have come through. The first visit is an introduction — the child sits in the chair, the teeth are looked at, and treatment is usually not carried out. This creates a positive first experience, which matters more for future cooperation than it might seem.
How to avoid creating fear
- Never use the dentist as a threat (“if you don’t brush, the dentist will drill”).
- Avoid the words “painful”, “injection”, “drill” — even reassuringly.
- Do not describe your own bad experiences within earshot.
- Book the first visit when nothing hurts.
Book your child an examination at Unidenta in Tallinn — a first consultation with examination costs €30.