Decay in baby teeth can cause pain, affect eating and sleep, and lead to infection. Care starts when the first tooth erupts, not when the mouth is full of teeth. Fluoride and dental-visit advice can depend on age, decay risk, water, and products available in Viet Nam; photograph the toothpaste label and ask a dentist or paediatric clinician when unsure.
Key takeaways
- 01
Small soft-bristled brush
- 02
Dentist-confirmed fluoride toothpaste
- 03
Age-appropriate toothpaste amount
1. Brush twice with a tiny amount
Use a small, soft-bristled brush and gently brush twice daily, especially before bed. WHO encourages fluoride toothpaste; under age 3 the amount is commonly described as a smear or grain of rice, and ages 3–6 no more than a pea. Because product concentrations and local advice can differ, confirm the toothpaste with a dentist and have an adult brush or supervise.
- Do not let a young child dispense toothpaste
- Store toothpaste out of reach
2. Protect teeth between brushing
Make water the usual drink when age-appropriate and consistent with feeding advice, limit how often sugary foods and drinks are offered, and do not settle a child with a bottle of sweet drink. Do not dip a dummy in sugar or honey. After the night brush, follow the feeding plan; if night feeds continue, ask a dentist how to balance nutrition and tooth protection.
- Frequency of sugar exposure matters
- Do not use teething gels or medicines without advice
3. Arrange early dental care and spot concerns
Ask a paediatric clinician or dentist when the first tooth erupts about an appropriate visit; many professional guidelines advise no later than age one. Arrange earlier care for white or brown spots that do not brush away, holes, gum swelling, pus, pain, persistent bad breath, dental injury, or difficulty eating. Facial swelling, fever with mouth swelling, or breathing difficulty needs emergency care.
- Bring the current toothpaste and brush
- Note the family's main water source
Practical checklist
- Small soft-bristled brush
- Dentist-confirmed fluoride toothpaste
- Age-appropriate toothpaste amount
- Brush morning and before bed
- Limit sugary exposures
- First dental-visit plan
How NIMO built this guide
NIMO writes and localizes each guide for Vietnamese families, then checks key facts against the official references below. The links support the guide; they are not the guide itself.
Edited by NIMOVietnamese expert review pending
Fact-check references
This content is for information only and does not replace medical advice. For severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, or unusual unresponsiveness, contact a local medical facility or emergency service immediately.