Paediatric Dentistry

What is Paediatric Dentistry?

Paediatric dentistry is the speciality of dentistry dedicated exclusively to maintaining the oral health of children, from the first year of life to adolescence, as well as patients with special needs.

A paediatric dentistry appointment gives children their first contact with a dentist, where their oral health is assessed and techniques are taught to ensure good oral health.

Early assessment of the “milk” dentition provides correct diagnosis, treatment and prevention of any problems, guaranteeing a healthy, functional and aesthetic permanent dentition.

What is Paediatric Dentistry?

Paediatric dentistry is the speciality of dentistry dedicated exclusively to maintaining the oral health of children, from the first year of life to adolescence, as well as patients with special needs.

A paediatric dentistry appointment gives children their first contact with a dentist, where their oral health is assessed and techniques are taught to ensure good oral health.

Early assessment of the “milk” dentition provides correct diagnosis, treatment and prevention of any problems, guaranteeing a healthy, functional and aesthetic permanent dentition.

Dental appointments for children are carried out by a paediatric dentist and are adapted to each child’s age and stage of development, while also promoting a calm, affectionate and trusting environment that allows patients to reach adulthood without trauma and with proper oral hygiene habits.

At the Alto dos Moinhos Dental Institute we have a specially equipped and decorated paediatric dentistry office to welcome our youngest patients in a cosy environment, providing a comfortable and fun time.

Get in touch

Dental appointments for children are carried out by a paediatric dentist and are adapted to each child’s age and stage of development, while also promoting a calm, affectionate and trusting environment that allows patients to reach adulthood without trauma and with proper oral hygiene habits.

At the Alto dos Moinhos Dental Institute we have a specially equipped and decorated paediatric dentistry office to welcome our youngest patients in a cosy environment, providing a comfortable and fun time.

Get in touch

First Paediatric Dentistry appointment

Dental problems can arise at a very early age, which is why it is recommended that the first paediatric dentistry appointment be made when the first teeth are born (usually between 6 months and 1 year of age) or, at the latest, when the child reaches the first year of life.

At this appointment, the child gets to know the space, the instruments and the Paediatric Dentist, who will carry out an assessment of the child’s caries risk, explaining to the children and parents all the hygiene care they should take, addressing the topics of eating and brushing, which are fundamental to creating habits that ensure and maintain correct oral health.

Cleaning and the application of topical fluoride are also carried out, as well as intraoral X-rays, if necessary. Paediatric dentistry appointments last an average of 15 to 30 minutes.

If the child already has adverse oral conditions or dental pathologies, such as enamel defects and caries lesions, it is essential that their correction and/or treatment is carried out as early as possible, in order to avoid major consequences regarding the birth of the permanent dentition or jaw bone development.

First Paediatric Dentistry appointment

Dental problems can arise at a very early age, which is why it is recommended that the first paediatric dentistry appointment be made when the first teeth are born (usually between 6 months and 1 year of age) or, at the latest, when the child reaches the first year of life.

At this appointment, the child gets to know the space, the instruments and the Paediatric Dentist, who will carry out an assessment of the child’s caries risk, explaining to the children and parents all the hygiene care they should take, addressing the topics of eating and brushing, which are fundamental to creating habits that ensure and maintain correct oral health.

Cleaning and the application of topical fluoride are also carried out, as well as intraoral X-rays, if necessary. Paediatric dentistry appointments last an average of 15 to 30 minutes.

If the child already has adverse oral conditions or dental pathologies, such as enamel defects and caries lesions, it is essential that their correction and/or treatment is carried out as early as possible, in order to avoid major consequences regarding the birth of the permanent dentition or jaw bone development.

Frequency of Paediatric Dentistry appointments

The frequency of paediatric dental appointments varies from child to child, but the recommended frequency is every 6 months or once a year. The aim is always for the visit to the paediatric dentist to be seen as a positive and pleasant experience in a comfortable environment.

Controlo de ansiedade e tratamento de pacientes com necessidades especiais

In situations where basic behaviour control techniques are not enough to control the anxiety and fear experienced by the child, we can use the technique of conscious sedation by inhaling nitrogen protoxide and oxygen, available at the Instituto Dentário Alto dos Moinhos.

We are also trained and qualified to treat patients with special needs, with all the specialised care and training that their systemic conditions require, in order to guarantee successful treatments in a safe environment adapted to their needs.

Get in touch

Frequency of Paediatric Dentistry appointments

The frequency of paediatric dental appointments varies from child to child, but the recommended frequency is every 6 months or once a year. The aim is always for the visit to the paediatric dentist to be seen as a positive and pleasant experience in a comfortable environment.

Anxiety control and treatment of patients with special needs

In situations where basic behaviour control techniques are not enough to control the anxiety and fear experienced by the child, we can use the technique of conscious sedation by inhaling nitrogen protoxide and oxygen, available at the Instituto Dentário Alto dos Moinhos.

We are also trained and qualified to treat patients with special needs, with all the specialised care and training that their systemic conditions require, in order to guarantee successful treatments in a safe environment adapted to their needs.

Faq

As soon as the first tooth erupts, oral health care should begin, using gauze or a very soft finger or toothbrush. Parents should brush twice a day, one of which must be at bedtime.

The toothpaste should be the size of your child’s 5th finger nail. Up to the age of 5/6, parents should always accompany and assist children in brushing their teeth. From this age onwards, the youngest children begin to gain the dexterity and autonomy to brush on their own, but parents should continue to supervise.

When attending to the child, in a pleasant and welcoming environment, the paediatric dentist diagnoses and detects any type of dental pathology and, if necessary, carries out the following treatments:

hygiene instruction and motivation and plaque control;
treatment of dental trauma, caries lesions and enamel defects;
topical application of fluoride and topical application of sealants;
interceptive and/or preventive orthodontic follow-up.

Poor dental positioning and malocclusion are problems that affect many children, making it necessary to wear orthodontic appliances.

In this sense, regular monitoring by a paediatric dentist is essential in order to act early, analysing the child’s specific case in order to prevent or treat the problem from the outset.