About The Video
In this episode of Before & Beyond, Lee Yean, a dental hygienist at Dental Designs, discusses the dental care needs of young children, using the example of a six-year-old patient who visited the clinic for scaling and polishing. She points out the presence of plaque and slimy buildup around the tooth surface and gum line, as well as areas of hypo-mineralisation that require monitoring.
Lee Yean advises parents to let children brush on their own first for two minutes — one minute on the upper teeth and one minute on the lower. However, she stresses that parents must follow up with a second round of brushing to ensure thorough cleaning, since children at this age cannot manage the task properly on their own. She also emphasises the value of regular six-monthly visits to the dentist and hygienist, which allow for professional cleaning, early detection of issues, and long-term oral health support.
Young children benefit from guided oral care. At around six years old, they can begin brushing on their own but still need parents to check and complete the process for thorough cleaning. Plaque often collects around the gum line and tooth surfaces, while conditions like hypo-mineralisation may require close monitoring. Professional checkups and cleanings every six months ensure that developing teeth stay healthy and that any potential issues are identified early.