Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry is responsible for the promotion and maintenance of children’s oral health.

It aims to preserve the primary dentition, important for the development of the face. The conservation of primary teeth is also important for the development of speech and brings emotional balance to children when they relate to others. Primary teeth are also important in chewing food in the first years of a child’s life and determine the future good positioning of permanent teeth.

The first consultation should take place as soon as the first teeth appear.

Milk teeth usually erupt between 6 and 12 months of age, with a variation from normal to about 6 months being considered.

During the eruption of the teeth, the child has inflamed gums, which causes some discomfort. For this reason, it is normal for the child to put his hands in his mouth, as well as some objects that may be “dirty”. Thus, the child is subject to minor infections in the mouth or even gastrointestinal.

From the moment the teeth erupt, a film called plaque is attached to the enamel surface. Sometimes bacteria that ferment certain sugars in the diet are part of this film and release acids which act as enamel demineralizing agents. Thus, an ionic imbalance begins, which leads to the appearance of caries.

The eruption of the permanent teeth usually starts around 5 or 6 years of age, with the eruption of the permanent incisors. Hygiene care and techniques should be reviewed, due to the new positioning and size of these teeth that should accompany them throughout their lives.

The DGS (General Directorate of Health) advises against the use of fluoride in tablets or drops in babies and children, being only advised to prescribe it in cases of high risk of dental caries, always from 3 years old and on medical advice.