Dentistry

Paediatric dentistry

Paediatric dentistry takes care of children’s oral health up to adolescence.

Paediatric dentistry is a specialisation in Dentistry that aims to accompany the birth of the first teeth, preserve the permanent dentition and create correct oral hygiene habits encouraging and promoting regular visits to the dentist for children and adolescents.

This is the area of the Dentistry where the first contact is made with the dental practitioner. Here is assessed the state of oral health, is controlled the dental eruption and preventive treatments are carried out.

These consultations are also important to teach children and parents to brush their teeth properly and to encourage the use of fluoride and dental floss. Take your children to the dentist regularly. Take care of their health and oral hygiene.

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Children’s oral health

Children’s oral health starts with the eruption of the first teeth, around the age of six months. Taking care of the gums and milk teeth is important for the good growth and alignment of the permanent teeth. Children’s oral health benefits their chewing, swallowing and speech functions, which are essential for their development.

A child’s deciduous teeth are completed when they are between two and four years old. Children are usually not very dextrous and will need help brushing their teeth. Between the ages of five and seven milk teeth begin to fall out and permanent teeth are born. From the age of eight their dentition is mixed and children are able to brush their teeth alone.

How to brush your teeth?

The brush should be placed at a 45-degree angle in relation to the gums and moved gently in a circular motion. The chewing surfaces should be brushed in short back-and-forth movements. The tongue should also be cleaned to remove bacteria and purify the breath.

When do my child's teeth start to appear?

The so-called milk teeth, or deciduous teeth, erupt from around six months of age.

When do my child's teeth start to change?

As a general rule permanent teeth appear from the age of six and lasts until the wisdom teeth erupt (around 18 years old)

How can I prevent my child from getting caries lesions?

During childhood teeth are more prone to tooth decay. Children eat more often and are less skilful at brushing their teeth. Help your child brush their teeth after meals so they can reach more difficult places. Use a toothpaste with fluoride and offer healthy snacks with a lower sugar content.

Should my child floss?

Yes. The best time to start is when two teeth come into contact. Use approximately 30 cm of floss. Carefully follow the curves of the teeth. Make sure you clean below the line of the gum without forcing.

What to expect on the first visit to the dentist?

The dentist will examine your child’s teeth and gums and will tell you if there is any problem or recommendation to maintain the child’s oral health. This is a good time to understand the need for fluoride supplements, preventive methods, such as fissure sealants, or receive information about the alignment of your child’s teeth.

What should I do if my child's teeth start to grow crooked?

You should immediately consult your dentist for advice. Incorrectly positioned teeth make hygiene difficult and compromise function and aesthetics.

What should I do if one of my child's permanent teeth breaks?

  • Depending on the size of the fracture it can may be smoothed over or corrected cosmetically;
  • if the fracture reaches the enamel and the dentin, the tooth should be restored as soon as possible;
  • if the fracture reaches the enamel, the dentin and the pulp, the tooth may need to be devitalised or extracted;
  • The tooth should be reimplanted in the place it came from as fast as possible. Rinse the tooth with water, replace it and go to the dentist immediately. The tooth should be in held by the crown and must not dry out. If you cannot re-implant it transport it in milk, saline solution or saliva;
  • Reimplantation is most successful during the first 30 minutes and has a good chance of being successful within two hours of the accident;
  • It may be necessary for the dentist to devitalise the tooth one or two weeks after it has been stabilised.

Clinical Staff

Choose a specialist doctor.

Dr. Mafalda Xavier

Specialties:

Paediatric Dentistry

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