Paediatric dentistry is undergoing a quiet revolution—one that extends beyond Singapore and is gaining global momentum. Traditionally, dental care focused on treating problems after they appeared, such as filling cavities or correcting misalignments. Today, the emphasis has shifted toward prevention: stopping dental issues before they even begin.
Studies from countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States show that introducing preventive dental visits by age one can significantly lower the risk of early childhood caries. Early intervention not only promotes better oral health but also reduces the need for more complex and costly treatments later. Early orthodontic treatment has also shown to significantly reduce the need for complex orthodontic treatment later in life.
In Singapore, this preventive approach is reflected in initiatives by the Health Promotion Board (HPB), such as school-based dental programmes and campaigns that encourage early dental visits. These efforts support the formation of good oral health habits from a young age and aim to reduce the long-term burden of preventable dental disease.
This shift from curative to preventive dentistry is transforming how we care for children’s oral health. The focus is now on guiding families from the earliest stages—building hygiene routines, monitoring development, and applying evidence-based strategies to support lifelong oral wellness.
Importantly, the change is not just clinical. When dental care begins early and centres on guidance rather than treatment, children are more likely to grow up with positive attitudes toward oral health—making a lasting impact well beyond the dental chair.
What Drives This Change in General Dentistry?
Much of this shift is supported by clinical research, but also by insights from practitioners on the ground. Dr Jeremy, clinic director and dentist at Brightside Dental, notes that many dental and skeletal issues stem from early-life habits—such as thumb sucking, prolonged milk bottle use, and chronic mouth breathing. These can lead to dental problems such as misalignments of the teeth and jaw that are often only identified later in life.
He emphasises that monitoring should begin as soon as primary teeth erupt, and ideally, children should have their first dental visit by age one. This early start helps catch and correct potential problems before they become more serious.
Brightside Dental’s Role in Providing Dental Care Through This New Approach
At Brightside Dental, our team of dentists align with this modern approach to paediatric dentistry, aside from offering a wide range of dental services. Our focus is not only on treating existing dental issues but on helping children avoid them entirely.
Aside from routine check-ups and cleanings, our paediatric services are designed with prevention and early care in mind:
- Age-appropriate communication and behavioural support
- Preventive treatments (fluoride, sealants)
- Guidance on oral hygiene, diet, and routines
- Developmental monitoring of teeth and jaw
Dental procedures such as fillings, extractions, and orthodontic appliances when needed
At Brightside Dental, our goal is to work closely with parents and caregivers to establish a solid foundation for oral health that supports children into adulthood. We ensure a positive dental experience by creating a comfortable environment, featuring TV screens above the ceiling to keep little ones entertained, soothing music of their choice to help them relax, and soft ambient lighting to create a calm and welcoming atmosphere.
Looking Ahead
This shift from reactive to preventive dentistry reflects more than just a clinical change—it encourages a proactive mindset. Early intervention helps minimise the need for extensive treatments later and supports the development of good oral health habits from a young age.
At Brightside Dental, we support families in adopting this preventive approach—because maintaining oral health starts early.
We offer flexible appointment options at our clinic, conveniently located near Telok Ayer MRT. We aim to make every child’s first dental visit as comfortable and supportive as possible, helping them become familiar with dental care from an early stage.
To book your appointment or for more information, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us at +65 8280 7679.
