Paediatric Dentistry
What is Paediatric Dentistry?
This is the area of dentistry responsible for the prevention, diagnosis and maintenance of oral health in children and young people, both in deciduous and permanent teeth.
This area closely follows the child’s growth, from early childhood until adolescence.
Goals
The first visit to the dentist during childhood helps preventing oral health problems even before the first baby teeth, with the guidance of moms and dads – Consultation of the pregnant mom and the baby.
It is more and more important Prevention over Intervention, early diagnosis instead of more invasive and complex treatments, which leads to avoiding situations of pain and feelings of anxiety/fear when visiting the dentist.
Baby teeth are often neglected, but they are of high importance to the normal development of children. These possess several important functions to the normal development of children, such as cheweing; maintaining space for permanent teeth; influence on the correct growth of the jaws; phonetics; aesthetics; breathing and swallowing
The first consultation
It should occur within the first 12 months (when the 1st tooth erupts). The main goal is to prepare and advise parents and children for good oral hygiene and eating habits, promoting good oral health from an early age.
Periodicity of paediatric consultations
The periodicity of paediatric dentistry appointments should be evaluated by your doctor, because there are some factors, such as a high risk of cavities, that can increase the visits to the dentist. In general every 6 months.
Behaviour Control during the consultation
All children are different, and their behavior results from their learning and experiences over time.
The child’s fear is directly linked to parental anxiety, acute pain situations, or negative experiences. Therefore, the first experience is very important and scheduling consultations early and often is recommended as it promotes bonding and trust towards the paediatric dentist.
Conscious Sedation
When fear of the dentist is more intense and difficult to control, there are auxiliary, non-invasive, and totally safe techniques, as for example conscious sedation, which consists of inhaling nitrous oxide through a nose mask.
This calms down the patient, keeping them awake but less anxious and more relaxed during the consultation. It can be applied to children over 4 years old, who are cooperative, and as long as they breathe through their nose (no nasal obstruction can exist).
In more complex and exceptional cases, in which all attempts to get the child to participate in consultations were unsuccessful, it is possible to schedule all more complex dental treatments in the operating room, under general anesthesia.
Responsible team
Dr. Joana Beirolas
Dr. Susana Pablo
Frequently Asked Questions
How and when should i clean my baby's mucous membranes and gums?
Clean near the eruption of the first tooth with a gauze or finger pad, to massage the gums and relieve discomfort, and also to get your baby used to brushing from an early age. This will make the process easier and more pleasant for your baby.
When should i start brushing my child's teeth?
As soon as the first tooth erupts.
How often should i brush my baby's teeth?
At least twice a day, once in the morning and once at bedtime, without eating afterwards.
Which toothpaste should i use?
From the first tooth eruption until the age of 3: A toothpaste containing 1000 ppm of fluoride (check the label on the package) of the flavour your child likes the most.
Starting from 3 years old (if the baby can spit the paste out): 1450 ppm of fluoride.
How much toothpaste should i use?
While the baby does not know how to spit: the amount of paste you put on the brush is equivalent to a rice grain.
When the baby is already able to spit out the toothpaste (from 3 years old): the quantity is the equivalent of a pea.
Until when should i brush my child's teeth?
It depends from child to child, but until she/he develops manual skills (8-10 years old).
What should i do if my child is afraid to go to the dentist?
- Don’t show insecurity, and don’t be reluctant. Encourage your child and give examples of how brave she/he is;
- Be present but trust the doctor, so that this trust is passed on to the child;
- Let the doctor bond and gain the child’s trust;
- The earlier the first consultation, the more familiar the child will become with the sounds and instruments.
When should i take the pacifier habit off?
We should remove the pacifier by 2 years of age at the latest. The main problems with the use of pacifiers are alterations in the child’s breathing, problems with acceptance of dry and fibrous foods, and often delays in the child’s speech. Tip: start reducing the habit, and you can make a small hole in the pacifier to reduce the sucking comfort.
Your first consultation begins here.
After requesting your appointment, our team will contact in order to find the best date for you.
Our patients are very important to us and we always do what we can to help them have a better quality of life and a smile that promotes their well-being.