Paediatric Dentistry
At Moonz Dental Clinics, we focus on the dental health of the youngest members of the family. That’s why we place great importance on Paediatric Dentistry, the branch of dentistry dedicated to oral care from birth through adolescence.
Preventive and early treatment of oral issues are essential for avoiding complications that it’s a risk oral health and for promoting good dental hygiene habits in children. In these early years, collaboration between the paediatric dentist and the parents is key.
What is Paediatric Dentistry?
Paediatric Dentistry is the branch of dentistry responsible for preventing, diagnosing, and treating oral diseases that affect children from birth to adolescence. It is particularly focused on issues that frequently arise during childhood, like decay and dental trauma.
Additionally, paediatric dentistry guides and monitors children’s dental development to detect and treat problems that would be much more complex to resolve in adulthood.
Paediatric Dentistry Treatments
At Moonz Dental Clinics, the most frequently performed paediatric dentistry treatments are as follows:
Filling
A filling is the primary treatment to combat cavities, as it allows for the repair of damage caused by cavities. It involves cleaning the affected area of the tooth and filling it with a material (usually composite) that restores its shape and function. Cavities are the most common dental disease in children and can appear as early as six months of age, when the first milk teeth come through.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatment is a preventive procedure that helps strengthen dental enamel and reduce the risk of cavities. During this treatment, the paediatric dentist applies a fluoride gel to the child’s teeth, which acts as a protective barrier against bacteria and acids from food.
Fissure Sealant
Fissure sealing is also a preventive treatment against cavities. It involves applying a special material to the tiny grooves and fissures in children’s teeth, creating a protective barrier that prevents bacteria and food particles from accumulating in these hard-to-clean areas. This technique is typically used on molars, which are the teeth most prone to decay.
Pulpotomy
A pulpotomy is a procedure similar to a root canal treatment, but performed on primary (baby) teeth. It is used when decay has affected the tooth’s pulp, the internal area that contains nerves and blood vessels. This treatment removes part of the pulp when it is damaged by a severe infection, which can occur due to deep decay or trauma. A pulpotomy allows the tooth to remain in place until it naturally falls out, avoiding issues with dental alignment.
Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are small devices placed in children who have lost a baby tooth prematurely. Once in place, this device prevents the neighbouring teeth from shifting, preserving the space necessary for the permanent tooth to erupt correctly and preventing future alignment issues.
Conscious Sedation
Conscious sedation is a technique that keeps the child relaxed and comfortable during a dental procedure. It induces a deep state of relaxation, close to sleep, without the child losing consciousness. This technique is especially useful for children who fear the dentist, need to undergo a lengthy procedure, or have special needs (such as Down syndrome). Conscious sedation reduces anxiety, making the experience far more positive and pleasant for the child.
Paediatric dentistry treatments
The most common paediatric dentistry treatments are:
Filling
Fluoride Treatment
Fissure Sealant
Pulpotomy
Space Maintainers
Conscious Sedation
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Benefits of Paediatric Dentistry
Caring for teeth throughout childhood offers numerous short- and long-term benefits:
- Early Prevention: Paediatric dentists can detect and prevent multiple issues at an early stage, avoiding complications in adolescence and adulthood.
- Tailored Care: Techniques and treatments are specially designed for children, making procedures more comfortable and less invasive.
- Positive Environment: Paediatric dentists are trained to work with children, creating a comfortable atmosphere and making the experience as pleasant as possible.
- Good Habits: Teaching children the importance of oral care from an early age helps establish healthy habits that they can carry into adulthood.
Stages of Paediatric Dentistry Treatments
At Moonz Dental Clinics, we plan paediatric treatments in stages to accommodate the child’s pace, age, and dental development.
1. Initial Assessment:
During the first visit, the paediatric dentist evaluates the child’s oral health through an examination and X-rays. Based on the child’s needs, they determine whether treatment is needed or if periodic check-ups are sufficient for monitoring growth.
2. Treatment Plan:
If treatment is required, it is planned in phases over a specific period.
3. Gradual Treatment Application:
Treatments are performed progressively to ensure the child feels comfortable at every stage. This approach, which we follow at Moonz Dental Clinics, prioritises the child’s well-being and experience, reducing the risk of developing dental anxiety.
4. Regular Check-Ups:
Treatments are complemented by a schedule of check-ups to maintain stable results, monitor treatment progress, and detect potential issues.
Frequently asked questions
Paediatric dentistry covers children’s dental development from birth or the eruption of the first milk tooth up to adolescence, around age 14. During these years, paediatric dentists oversee the development of both primary and permanent teeth.
A paediatric dentist is a dentist focused on children’s dental care. Their work ranges from preventing and treating cavities to managing developmental dental issues and teaching good hygiene habits. Paediatric dentists are also trained to address psychological aspects, helping to normalise clinic visits and ease any dental fears.
Much of a paediatric dentist’s daily work involves planning and carrying out dental treatments (such as fillings, fluoride treatments, and pulpotomies) as well as performing check-ups and diagnostic tests.
Additionally, paediatric dentists play an essential educational role for both children and their parents. For example, they advise on common habits that, while seemingly harmless, can be damaging to teeth (such as excessive pacifier use, prolonged thumb sucking, high sugar consumption, and inadequate brushing frequency).
The main difference lies in the type of patients they treat. Paediatric dentists focus on children’s oral health and generally have additional training in techniques and treatments specific to children. On the other hand, a general dentist, while able to treat patients of all ages, is not specialised in children’s care.
The first visit to a paediatric dentist is recommended at one year of age or when the first milk tooth appears. This visit allows for early problem detection and gives parents guidance on initial care for baby teeth.
This recommendation is because cavities, the most common oral disease in children, can develop as soon as the first milk teeth erupt, which is typically around six months.
There is a type of decay known as baby bottle tooth decay, which can affect babies’ first teeth even if they only consume milk. A timely visit to the paediatric dentist can rule out cavities or, if they are present, allow for early treatment, which is simpler and far less bothersome for the child.
This may vary depending on the dental clinic. At Moonz, our paediatric dentists are trained to create a trusting atmosphere and provide a warm, familiar approach. Techniques such as play and positive reinforcement are used according to each child’s needs.
Furthermore, Moonz’s child-friendly clinics are decorated in a fun way and designed so that, from the moment they enter, children feel that a dental visit will be an adventure. These details build a trusting relationship with children and promote a positive attitude toward dental health.
If you would like to learn more about your child’s experience at our children’s dental clinics, we invite you to book a free initial consultation.
Content supervised by our Moonz team
Dra. Carmen León Rubio
La doctora Carmen León Rubio es licenciada en Odontología por la Universidad Complutense de Madrid y ha realizado dos másteres en Odontopediatría y Ciencias Odontológicas en la misma. Además, desde el año 2002 es profesora de Odontopediatría en la Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio de Madrid.
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