Could your child have cavities? Here’s a free check you can do at home 👀

This is NOT a replacement for a dental checkup, but there are 2 important reasons I’m sharing this:

🦷 1. You see your child every day.
As a dentist, I may only see your child every 6 months — but caregivers are in the best position to notice changes early.

🦷 2. Not everyone has easy access to a dentist.
So I hope this gives parents a simple way to take a closer look at their child’s teeth and, if they spot something concerning, seek professional care.

Here’s how to do a quick check at home:

1️⃣ Get your child to brush and floss first
2️⃣ Have them lie down somewhere comfortable
3️⃣ Use your phone’s torchlight
4️⃣ Gently dry the teeth with a clean cloth or gauze
5️⃣ Take a close look at the teeth and gums

What should you look out for? 👀

▫️ White spots
▫️ Brown or dark spots
▫️ Visible holes or cavities
▫️ Swelling or pimple-like bumps on the gums

Remember, tooth decay is a spectrum — it doesn’t always start as an obvious hole.

And if you notice something concerning, don’t panic. Arrange a proper dental assessment so your child can get the appropriate care.

Most importantly, be mindful of how you talk about dentists around your child. Their early experiences and what they hear at home can influence how they feel about dental visits.

Hello! I’m Dr Watt Sook May, your neighbourhood dentist here in Singapore 👋

BDS, MDS (Orthodontics), Singapore

I completed both my BDS and MDS (Orthodontics) in Singapore. After dental school, I spent an additional three years training in orthodontics, with a focus on braces, clear aligners, jaw growth and bite correction.

Today, I practise both general dentistry and orthodontic care, treating patients of all ages — from young children to older adults.

I’m here to share what I know so you can better understand your own smile journey (and hopefully avoid some of the misinformation that’s out there!).

Follow along — I’ve got lots to share 🦷