These are the questions asked most often at children’s appointments. Most have short answers, and several of them come down to the same principle: it is how often sugar reaches the teeth, and whether an adult is still helping with brushing.
Babies and toddlers
When should teeth appear?
Usually around six months, with the full set of twenty in place by about two and a half to three years. Considerable variation is normal. Mention it if there are no teeth at all by around eighteen months.
Is teething causing my baby’s fever?
Teething is associated with irritability, dribbling, sore gums and disturbed sleep. A high fever, diarrhoea or a rash are not attributed to teething, and a child with those symptoms should be assessed by a doctor rather than having it put down to teeth.
What helps with teething?
A chilled (not frozen) teething ring, gentle gum pressure with a clean finger, and appropriate infant pain relief where needed. Avoid teething gels containing sugar, and do not use amber necklaces — they are a strangulation and choking risk with no evidence of benefit.
When do I start brushing?
The moment the first tooth appears, twice a day, with an age-appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste — see fluoride and children’s teeth.
Teeth coming and going
My child’s baby teeth have gaps between them. Is that a problem?
The opposite — it is a good sign. Permanent teeth are considerably larger, and spacing in the baby dentition means there is likely to be room for them. Baby teeth that are tightly packed more often predict crowding later.
The adult tooth is coming through behind the baby tooth.
Common in the lower front teeth and usually resolves as the baby tooth loosens and is lost. Encourage wiggling. Have it checked if the baby tooth shows no sign of loosening.
Should I pull out a wobbly tooth?
Let it come out on its own if possible. Encourage the child to wiggle it with a clean finger or tongue. Do not force it.
A baby tooth came out very early.
Worth an appointment. Early loss can allow neighbouring teeth to drift into the space, and a space maintainer may be advisable — see why baby teeth matter.
The new adult teeth look yellow next to the baby teeth.
Normal. Permanent teeth are naturally a slightly darker, warmer shade than baby teeth, and the contrast is obvious while both are present. It is not a sign of decay or staining.
The new front teeth have jagged edges.
Also normal. Newly erupted permanent incisors have small bumps along the edge which wear smooth over time.
Diet and habits
Is fruit juice better than fizzy drinks?
Somewhat, but it still contains sugar and it is acidic. Keep it to mealtimes, dilute it, serve it in a cup rather than a bottle, and have it finished rather than carried around.
My child grazes all afternoon. Does that matter more than sweets?
Yes. Frequency matters more than quantity. Continuous snacking means continuous acid attacks with no recovery time — see preventing early childhood decay.
Are “healthy” snacks safe for teeth?
Not automatically. Dried fruit is sticky and sugary; fruit bars and smoothies often contain more sugar than expected. Cheese, plain yoghurt, vegetables, nuts for older children, and water are better between-meal choices.
My child grinds their teeth at night.
Common in children and often outgrown, and it is far less frequently a problem than in adults. Mention it so the wear can be monitored — see teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
Practical worries
Does my child need a mouthguard for sport?
For contact sports, yes. A custom-made one fits far better, stays in place, and is worn more reliably than a boil-and-bite version. If they wear braces, it needs to be designed for that.
My child has bad breath.
Usually plaque, a coated tongue, or a blocked nose leading to mouth breathing. Occasionally something lodged between teeth. If it persists despite good cleaning, have it checked — see bad breath: causes worth investigating.
Is thumb sucking going to ruin their teeth?
Only if it persists past the age at which permanent front teeth arrive — see thumb sucking and dummies.
How often should we come?
Commonly every six months, adjusted to your child’s risk. It should be a clinical decision explained to you.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
The dose is very small and they are taken only when there is a clinical reason — see why dental X-rays are taken.
My child is terrified. What can we do?
Tell us when you book so the appointment can be planned around it — see helping an anxious child at the dentist.
When should braces be considered?
An assessment around seven is usual; treatment normally starts later. See early orthodontic assessment in children.
Habits and everyday worries
Should I let my child use an electric toothbrush?
Yes, from whatever age they can manage it comfortably. Many children clean more effectively with one and the built-in timer removes an argument. It does not replace an adult brushing for or after them until around seven or eight.
My child eats well but still gets cavities.
Almost always frequency rather than diet quality. Healthy foods eaten continuously across an afternoon cause more acid attacks than a less healthy one eaten at a meal. Look at how many separate eating occasions there are in a day, not what is in them.
Is chocolate worse than sweets?
Generally less damaging, because it clears the mouth faster. Sticky, chewy and slowly dissolving sweets stay in contact with the teeth for far longer, which is what matters.
My child will only drink juice.
Dilute it, serve it in a cup rather than a bottle, keep it to mealtimes, and have it finished rather than carried around. Working towards water between meals is the goal; getting there gradually is fine.
Are children’s vitamins or medicines a problem?
Many are sweetened, and a nightly dose over months is a genuine risk. Ask whether a sugar-free version exists, give it before brushing rather than after, and rinse with water if it is given at night.
School, sport and the wider picture
Should my child have a mouthguard?
For any contact sport, yes. A custom-made one fits properly, stays in and is actually worn; a boil-and-bite version is better than nothing but is frequently removed because it is uncomfortable. If they wear braces, it must be designed for that.
My child has been told they need braces at school.
A screening is not an assessment. Bring them for a proper orthodontic evaluation, which will tell you whether there is a functional problem, what could be improved, and — importantly — when.
How do I get them to brush without a fight?
Consistency beats perfection. Same time, same place, every day; let them hold their own brush while you use another; brush your own teeth alongside them; use a timer or a song so the two minutes is an external fact rather than your decision. Never use it as a threat or a punishment.
When should I stop brushing their teeth for them?
Later than most parents do — around seven or eight, and even then check occasionally, particularly at the back where the permanent molars are.
Ask us yours
Bring your questions to the appointment — and bring the toothpaste. See our pediatric dentistry page.
To arrange a consultation at our clinic on Abbas El-Akkad in Nasr City, call +20 101 969 7597 or message us on WhatsApp.
