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PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

We take care of our little patients…. We eliminate fear of the dentist!

The first visit to the dentist - pediatric dentist

The first visit to the dentist - pediatric dentist should be conducted within the very first months of the infant’s life. The visit usually takes place when the first baby tooth erupts or within 6 months after eruption. The purpose of the first visit is to inform parents about oral hygiene, the development of the oral system at early ages, and dietary habits that promote dental health. Primary aim of the first visit of the child to the dentist is to get familiar with the dental office and the procedure of dental examination.

The first visit to the pediatric dentist is usually quite short and it is advisable not to include any treatment. This visit gives your child the opportunity to meet the dentist in a very friendly way, reducing the chance of developing fear. During the examination, the dentist will check all of the child's existing teeth, gums, tongue and jaws. At the same time, the proper functioning of swallowing and speaking, and the occlusion are being checked. If necessary, the pediatric dentist can perform a quick cleaning of the child's teeth, while at the same time provides all the necessary information to the parents on issues related to the child's oral hygiene and the prevention of caries.

Caries on primary teeth – tooth decay

The disease with the highest prevalence among children worldwide is tooth caries. Caries can appear in young patients from a very early age, even a few months after the eruption of baby teeth. It is caused by bacteria, which produce acids and lead to decalcification of the teeth. Cariogenic bacteria are fed from carbohydrates and sugar and the product of their metabolism are acids. The acids destroy enamel and dentin and thus cavities are created. Parents and caregivers can carry over these cariogenic bacteria to children up to the age of 18 months. For that reason, parents and caregivers need to take care of their own oral health. Preventing caries is especially important from the eruption of the first baby tooth. Proper oral hygiene and frequent brushing help teeth withstand acid attacks. Depending on the age of the child, brushing can be done by himself or with the help of a parent. The use of toothpastes that contain fluoride helps to develop a protective shield against caries. At the same time, an important preventive factor is to avoid foods that contribute to the development of caries, such as sweets, juices containing sugar etc.
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
In case a child has tooth decay it should be immediately treated, to prevent pain and to limit the destruction of dental tissues. A cavity in the tooth that remains untreated can cause problems in the permanent teeth, which are located under the damaged children's teeth. Some of the possible treatment methods applied by the pediatric dentist are:
  • Filling: Fillings on primary teeth restore missing dental tissues and stop the development of caries towards the tooth’s nerve.
  • Pulpotomy: It is a type of endodontic treatment for children, which is applied mainly to primary molars and is a quite quick and painless procedure.
  • Dental crowns (caps) for baby teeth: In case of extensive tooth decay, dental caps are being placed on primary teeth to restore missing dental tissues. The dental crown will fall out along with the baby tooth and does not impact the eruption of permanent teeth.
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Pediatric anesthesia at the dentist - STA The Wand

Pediatric anesthesia at the pediatric dentist is necessary in order to complete, painlessly and effectively, a treatment on baby teeth. In young children, the process of “giving an injection" is difficult psychologically. At the dental clinic NK Dental in Kalamaria, we use special equipment - The Wand -, to anesthetize the corresponding mouth region. This technique involves the mechanical injection of the anesthetic liquid in a slow and controlled way, while the extent of anesthesia is limited to the respective tooth that needs treatment. In this way, the discomfort that young patients feel is minimized and a basis for good cooperation and trust with the pediatric dentist is created. Children do not experience anxiety and fear of the dentist, and from the moment the tooth "falls asleep", it becomes possible to complete the treatment easily and quickly.

Dental trauma

Dental trauma or accident involving teeth, refers to injury of one or more of a child's baby or permanent teeth. Such traumata occur quite often in children who are actively involved in sports, as well as in adolescents. More than 25% of the patients have experienced a tooth injury between the ages of 6 and 18. A dental accident, such as tooth fracture / injury of lips and gums / concussion / luxation / increased mobility / extrusion / intrusion / avulsion (the tooth falling out of the mouth with its complete root), may occur at any time. Depending on the type of dental injury, the treatment strategy varies. The most important thing, however, is to turn up immediately at the dentist's office when an accident occurs! Early treatment is the most decisive factor for success and effectiveness of the applied therapy

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Fluoridation of children’s teeth

Fluoridation of teeth is the most appropriate and effective treatment to prevent tooth decay and increase the long-term survival of dental tissues. The local application of fluoride contributes to recalcification of enamel and inhibits the development of caries. At the same time, it offers an antimicrobial effect.

A varnish containing high levels of fluoride is applied on plastic splints that are consequently positioned on natural dentition. Fluoridation is an easy and painless procedure, but it should not be done at home by parents. A qualified pediatric dentist assists children during the procedure in order to avoid swallowing large amounts of fluoride gels.
Fluoridation of children’s teeth is recommended around the age of 3-4 years - when all primary teeth have erupted - in order to protect dentition from tooth decay. The frequency of treatment depends on the clinical oral status of the child and their susceptibility to caries. In general, applying the treatment once or twice a year will provide with significant benefits on oral hygiene. In addition to fluoridation in the dental practice, fluoride is contained in several food groups, tap water, toothpastes, etc.

Bad oral habits (pacifier overuse, baby bottle overuse, thumb-sucking, lip-biting/sucking)

Many children tend to "suck" their fingers or make excessive use of the pacifier in the first years of life. It is advisable to break off such oral habits at the very latest between the 2nd and 3rd year of life. If such habits persist at elder ages, there may be a negative effect on the development of the jaw / bone, on the occlusion of teeth (crooked), on the type of swallowing and on speech function. The pediatric dentist can inform the parents about the possible dangers and help the little patient with aborting such habits.

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Dental phobia / Patients with disabilities/ Dental treatment in general anesthesia (St. Luke’s Hospital S.A.)

Many children have an immense feeling of fear of the dentist, which may originate from previous negative experience or from stories about dental pain they heard. The phobic patient, when it comes to a child, usually hides discomfort and symptoms of pain in their oral cavity in order to avoid a visit to the pediatric dentist. The latter leads to deterioration of oral health and to more complicated dental problems. At the dental clinic NK Dental, our basic principle is to eliminate any fear of the dentist from the phobic patient, as well as to develop a relationship based on trust with each child.
The first and most important step in pediatric dentistry is to create a relationship based on trust with the little patient. Dental treatment procedures are presented by our staff as a "game", while we use child-friendly vocabulary to name the necessary equipment of the dental office. By making the child feel comfortable, we manage to eliminate negative reactions. Our long-lasting experience in treating children, allows us to develop a structured communication with them.
People with disabilities are a group of patients who need special care. The dental clinic NK Dental, in Kalamaria, has a ramp access and a large elevator. Dental treatment can be performed without removing the patient from the wheelchair, due to a special mechanism for conversion integrated in our dental chairs.
For phobic patients, very young children and children who do not present the necessary cooperation for the conduction of treatment sessions in the dental office, we undertake treatment in general anesthesia at St. Luke’s Hospital S.A., in collaboration with specialized anesthesiologists. Dental treatment in general anesthesia also shows specific advantages in cases where multiple appointments are needed to complete treatment, which would lead to a gradual lack of patience and cooperation of young patients. During general anesthesia, all dental and oral problems are treated in a few hours, so that the patient does not need any further dental treatment for at least the next five years.

Pregnancy

The formation of primary, as well as of some of the permanent teeth in the jaw, begins already during pregnancy. The mother's diet or medication she takes, may affect the development and health of baby teeth. At the same time, hormonal changes occuring during pregnancy may affect the mother’s gingival tissues and cause frequent bleeding during brushing (pregnancy gingivitis). For these reasons, it is important to inform pregnant women about oral hygiene issues concerning themselves and their babies.

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Pregnancy The formation of primary, as well as of some of the permanent teeth in the jaw, begins already during pregnancy. The mother's diet or medication she takes, may affect the development and health of baby teeth. At the same time, hormonal changes occuring during pregnancy may affect the mother’s gingival tissues and cause frequent bleeding during brushing (pregnancy gingivitis). For these reasons, it is important to inform pregnant women about oral hygiene issues concerning themselves and their babies. Breastfeeding and baby teeth Breastfeeding is very beneficial for the baby, as it promotes the overall health of its body and the psychological connection with the mother. However, the presence of breast milk in the baby's mouth for long periods of time during day and especially during night, can cause severe damage to baby teeth. Frequent check-ups by a pediatric dentist are essential, especially for children that continue to breastfeed after the first year of life.

Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH)

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH), is a developmental condition whose etiology has not been clarified yet. It usually appears on one to four first permanent molars and on the front teeth. Hypomineralised teeth are more susceptible to caries and wear compared to normal teeth. White, yellow or brown spots appear on them at eruption. In addition to the aesthetic disadvantage, these teeth show severe sensitivity while brushing, chewing, speaking, etc. Children with MIH need more intensive dental care and should be put in a strict recall program. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent further destruction of dental tissues. The diagnosis can be set by the pediatric dentist even if the tooth has not fully erupted yet. In these cases, fluoridation may reinforce enamel against decay until the tooth fully erupts.