Medical review: Based on peer-reviewed research and guidelines. Clinical review by a Dalian Speciality Dental Clinic dentist is pending. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Please see a dentist about your own teeth.
Why baby teeth matter
Baby teeth help children eat, speak and smile, and they hold space for the adult teeth. Decay in baby teeth can cause pain and infection, so protecting them is worthwhile.
Fluoride toothpaste works
Cochrane reviews of randomised trials found that fluoride toothpaste prevents decay in children and adolescents, and that using fluoride toothpaste, mouthrinse, gels or varnish reduces tooth decay. A later review of different strengths found that toothpastes with at least 1,000 ppm fluoride gave a clear benefit, and that the benefit grew with higher concentrations.
What about too much fluoride?
Swallowing a lot of fluoride while the teeth are forming can cause mild white marks called fluorosis. The reviewers advise that, for children under 6, the choice of toothpaste strength should balance the risk of decay against the risk of mild fluorosis. Ask your dentist or child's doctor what amount and strength suit your child's age, and supervise brushing so that children spit out the toothpaste.
Limit sugar
The WHO recommends keeping free sugars below 10% of energy intake in both children and adults, and ideally below 5%. Sugary drinks and snacks between meals are a common cause of decay in children. Water is the best drink.
Regular check-ups
NICE guidance says that the longest interval between check-ups for anyone under 18 is 12 months, and that your dentist should set the interval according to your child's risk of dental disease.
When to see a dentist
Take your child to a dentist for any tooth pain, swelling, white or brown spots, or an injury to the teeth. A knocked-out adult tooth is an emergency, see our first-aid article.
Frequently asked questions
When should my child first see a dentist?
Early visits help your dentist set up good habits and check for problems. Ask the clinic when they recommend the first visit for your child.
Do baby teeth need fillings?
Decayed baby teeth can cause pain and infection, so they are often treated. Your dentist will advise what is best for your child.
Is it safe to use fluoride toothpaste for toddlers?
Fluoride toothpaste prevents decay. For young children the amount and strength matter, so ask your dentist and supervise brushing.
Sources
- Marinho VCC, et al. Fluoride toothpastes for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD002278.
- Walsh T, et al. Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD007868.
- Marinho VCC, et al. Topical fluoride (toothpastes, mouthrinses, gels or varnishes) for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD002782.
- World Health Organization. Guideline: sugars intake for adults and children, 2015.
- NICE guideline CG19. Dental checks: intervals between oral health reviews.
Information can change as new research is published. Last reviewed 6 November 2026.
