PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

WHEN SHOULD A CHILD’S FIRST DENTAL VISIT TAKE PLACE?

A child’s first dental visit should occur at 6 months old or after the eruption of the first milk tooth.

WHAT DOES THE FIRST DENTAL VISIT FOR A CHILD INVOLVE?

During the initial visit, the dentist will begin familiarising the child with the new environment of the dental office. The visit will be brief (about 15 minutes) to avoid tiring or overwhelming the young patient. The dentist will check the state of teeth already present in the mouth, the condition of the gingival ridges preparing for more teething, and the shape of the dental arches, tongue, palate, and cheeks.

However, the main goal of the first check-up is for the dentist to discuss with the parent about the child’s hygiene and dietary habits that should be maintained for the child’s well-being.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD CHILDREN HAVE DENTAL CHECK-UPS?

From 6 months to 3 years old – check-ups are recommended every 3 months.

From 3 to 18 years old – check-ups are recommended every 6 months.

It’s important to note that milk teeth have less mineralised enamel than permanent teeth, meaning any carious changes can develop much faster than in adult patients. Regular check-ups are crucial to catch signs of decay at the earliest stage.

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE INCLUDED IN CHILDREN’S DENTAL PREVENTION?

• FLUORIDE VARNISHING – a preventive treatment that strengthens the enamel structure and prevents the formation of carious lesions. Recommended for children from 2-3 to 18 years old every 6 months. After varnishing, refrain from eating and drinking for 2 hours.
• FISSURE SEALANTS – a preventive treatment applied to the molars and premolars within 6 months of their eruption, involving filling the pits and fissures of permanent teeth with a liquid composite material. The aim is to prevent the accumulation of plaque and food debris in these areas, which are difficult to clean and a common cause of decay.
• SILVER DIAMINE FLUORIDE (SDF) TREATMENT – also known as impregnation, a procedure involving securing carious lesions with chemical compounds to halt further decay. Teeth treated with SDF are stained black. This method is often used for “bottle caries” in children where other treatment options are not viable. Bottle caries is an aggressive form of decay in children who consume sweetened liquid from a bottle for extended periods, causing severe enamel demineralisation and decay.

WHAT PROCEDURES ARE INCLUDED IN PAEDIATRIC DENTAL PREVENTION?

From 6 months to 3 years of age – routine dental check-ups are advised every three months. From ages 3 to 18 – these check-ups are recommended biannually. It’s crucial to be aware that baby teeth have enamel that is significantly less mineralised compared to adult teeth. This means that any signs of decay can progress much faster than in adults. Consequently, regular dental visits are essential to identify early indications of tooth decay. In our practice, routine child dental examinations are offered free of charge – we encourage consistent monitoring of oral health.