What is paediatric dentistry?

Paediatric dentistry is a field of dentistry that specialises in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of dental, oral and jaw problems in children and adolescents. It covers dental care from infancy to adolescence and also includes advice on oral hygiene and nutrition.

How often should children go to the dentist?

Children should visit the dentist at least once a year. Regular check-ups are important to monitor oral health and to recognise and treat dental problems at an early stage.

What does the dentist do for children?

The paediatric dentist carries out oral health examinations, treats tooth decay, advises on dental care and fluoridation, and monitors tooth growth and development. If necessary, fillings, milk tooth extractions and orthodontic consultations are carried out.

When should I see a paediatric dentist?

A visit to the paediatric dentist typically makes sense until the teenage years. After that, teenagers and young adults can switch to a general dentist who specialises in adult dentistry. At our practice, we continue to treat all patients, i.e. no child has to suddenly switch to a new dentist due to their age.

Why are milk teeth important?

Every milk tooth that is lost too early disrupts the development of the dentition, because milk teeth are placeholders during jaw growth. They should therefore never be neglected, even if they eventually fall out.

Is tooth decay contagious?

Tooth decay itself is not directly contagious, but the bacteria that cause tooth decay can be transmitted. Sharing cutlery or kissing can favour the exchange of bacteria.

Is night-time breastfeeding or evening bottle feeding bad for teeth?

Breastfeeding at night can increase the risk of tooth decay, especially if the child falls asleep with milk or juice. As soon as the first teeth have erupted (at around 6-9 months), it is advisable to minimise night-time breastfeeding or to give only water before going to bed in order to minimise the development of tooth decay. If milk is still given at night, it is advisable to clean the teeth again briefly (toothbrush, no toothpaste).

Which filling material is used for children?

In children, amalgam-replacing fillings made of plastic (composite) or, even more frequently, glass ionomer cement are used. These materials are tooth-coloured and offer good durability.

What is silver diamine fluoride and what is it used for?

Silver diamine fluoride is a dental treatment used to inhibit caries. It is applied to decayed areas to stop the progression of decay and strengthen the tooth, especially in children.

What is MIH?

MIH stands for molar incisor hypomineralisation, a developmental disorder of the teeth. Affected teeth show reduced mineralisation and are more susceptible to decay and other problems. Early dental examinations are important in order to be able to intervene in good time. Depending on their severity, the affected teeth are treated with special pastes or fillings. In the case of severely damaged first molars (sixth molars), removal is recommended by the age of 12 to allow the subsequent second molars to break through into the place of the sixth. In rare cases, orthodontic intervention is then necessary.

Why do we need fluoride in toothpastes?

Fluoride in toothpastes strengthens tooth enamel, protects against tooth decay, promotes remineralisation and inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay. It is a crucial component of oral hygiene to maintain dental health.

What are the sixth molars?

They are the first permanent teeth in the dental arch, also known as 6-year molars, because they erupt around the age of 6. Due to their posterior position, they are often overlooked or not recognised as permanent teeth. As soon as they become visible, it's time to brush well!

Soothers for how long?

You should start to wean your child off the dummy by the age of 3 at the latest (age 2-3 years) in order to avoid misaligned teeth and jaws.

When does thumb sucking stop?

A persistent sucking habit should be stopped quickly. As with the dummy, the earlier it is stopped, the better, as otherwise it can have a lasting negative effect on the development of the teeth. In order to break the thumb-sucking habit, it is sometimes advisable to switch to a dummy first, as this can be removed more easily.

Pediatric dental treatment

First dental visit child

Paediatric dentistry in 1060 Vienna