Pediatric Dentistry
Paediatric dentistry (also known as children’s dentistry or paediatric dentistry) is a specialised area of dentistry that deals with the dental care of children and adolescents.
Specials
Paediatric dentistry is characterised by adapted treatment methods that are specially tailored to milk teeth and mixed dentition. Great importance is attached to child-orientated communication and a pleasant atmosphere in order to make the visit to the dentist as positive as possible for children. Special psychological support helps to avoid dental anxiety and build trust in the long term.
Main tasks
The central tasks in paediatric dentistry include regular check-ups and prophylaxis, the treatment of caries and other dental diseases as well as monitoring the development of teeth. In addition, the early detection of malocclusions is an important component in order to be able to take appropriate measures at an early stage.
Preventive measures
Prevention plays a crucial role in paediatric dentistry. This includes nutritional counselling, the use of fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and fissure sealants to prevent tooth decay in the grooves. In addition, oral hygiene training encourages independent dental care.
Treatment methods
The treatment methods are specially tailored to the needs of children. These include child-friendly filling therapies and the use of milk tooth crowns. Painless treatment techniques and, if necessary, nitrous oxide sedation ensure that procedures are as pleasant as possible.
These special approaches and measures make paediatric dentistry an important specialist field that optimally promotes and supports dental health from the very beginning.
Why is a dental appointment important for children?
Early detection of problems
Regular visits to the dentist make it possible to recognise and treat tooth decay at an early stage. Misaligned teeth and developmental disorders can also be diagnosed in good time so that appropriate measures can be taken.
Prevention
Prophylactic measures such as professional tooth cleaning, fluoridation and fissure sealing protect teeth from caries and other dental diseases. They help to prevent future problems and ensure long-term dental health.
Monitoring development
Dental appointments are used to monitor the change of teeth, check jaw growth and monitor speech development. These aspects are crucial for the healthy development of teeth and jaws.
Psychological benefits
Early and regular visits to the dentist help to reduce anxiety and develop a positive attitude towards dental health. Children build trust in the dentist, which will also benefit them as adults.
Long-term advantages
Healthy teeth into adulthood prevent costly treatments and save costs in the long term. Early prevention creates the basis for sustainable dental health.
Learning effect
During visits to the dentist, children learn how important proper dental care is and develop responsible health behaviour. They understand the importance of oral hygiene and are motivated to integrate it into their everyday lives.
Ideally, the first visits to the dentist should take place when the first tooth breaks through or by the first birthday at the latest to ensure good oral health right from the start.
How do children build trust at the dentist?
Early positive first contact
A first visit without treatment allows children to familiarise themselves with the dental practice in a playful way. Bringing along a cuddly toy and using the ‘Tell-Show-Do’ method – explain, show, do – creates a pleasant atmosphere that promotes trust.
Child-friendly practice design
A child-friendly environment with bright colours, a play corner in the waiting room and children’s books about visits to the dentist make the visit more pleasant. A reward system with small gifts after treatment provides additional motivation.
Communication
Age-appropriate, positive language facilitates understanding and acceptance. Instead of ‘drilling’, for example, speak of ‘cleaning’. Children should be given a sense of control, e.g. through an agreed stop signal. Praise and encouragement strengthen self-confidence.
Role of parents
Parents can make a significant contribution to building confidence by adopting a positive attitude and avoiding their own fears. Negative experiences should not be discussed, and their reassuring presence helps to give the child a sense of security.
Step-by-step approach
The dentist should start with simple examinations and slowly introduce the child to more complex treatments. Taking breaks and adapting the duration of treatment to the child’s needs prevents excessive demands.
Distraction strategies
Distraction through stories, music or films can help to make the treatment more pleasant. Relaxation exercises promote the child’s calmness and composure.
A thoughtful, empathetic approach enables children to build trust in the dentist and lays the foundation for a positive attitude towards dental care.
At what age should my child go to the dentist?
First examination (6-12 months)
The first visit to the dentist should take place when the first tooth erupts or by the first birthday at the latest. Possible malformations are recognised at an early stage and parents receive important advice on correct oral care.
Toddlers (1-3 years)
Six-monthly check-ups are recommended for small children to check the development of their teeth. Problems such as sucking habits can be recognised and treated at an early stage. If necessary, fluoridation is carried out to strengthen the tooth enamel.
Kindergarten children (3-6 years)
Kindergarten children should also have their teeth checked every six months. At this age, the focus is on prophylactic measures, monitoring the milk teeth and preparing for the change of teeth.
Important check-ups
- U5 (6th-7th month): First oral inspection
- U6 (10th-12th month): Dental status
- U7 (21-24 months): Caries risk assessment
- U8/U9 (4th-5th year): Checking the development of the teeth
Additional appointments if required
In addition to the regular check-ups, additional visits to the dentist are necessary in the event of
- Toothache
- Accidents or injuries
- Abnormalities during tooth eruption
- Suspicion of misaligned jaws
Advantages of an early start
An early start with dental visits gets children used to the practice and helps to avoid anxiety. Problems can be recognised and treated in good time, which creates good oral health and the basis for healthy teeth in the long term.
What is individualised prophylaxis?
Individual prophylaxis is a preventive treatment concept in dentistry that is individually tailored to the needs of each patient. The aim is to ensure long-term oral health and prevent dental diseases.
Basic components
Individual prophylaxis includes assessing the individual caries risk, analysing the oral hygiene situation and drawing up a personal prevention plan. Regular check-ups allow adjustments to be made to the patient’s state of health.
Main measures
- Professional tooth cleaning: Removal of dental plaque and discolouration.
- Fissure sealing: protection against caries in the grooves of the molars.
- Fluoridation: Strengthening the enamel against acid attacks.
- Nutritional counselling: recommendations for a healthy dental diet.
Health insurance benefits
The statutory health insurance fund covers the following individual prophylaxis services for children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 18:
- IP1: Oral examination and education
- IP2: Oral health education
- IP3: Fluoridation of the teeth
- IP4: Fissure sealing
- IP5: Intensive motivation to improve oral hygiene
Age-specific features
Six-monthly check-ups are recommended for children and adolescents. These are documented and contribute to prevention. Depending on the state of oral health, caries activity and personal risk factors, prophylaxis is customised.
Aims of individualised prophylaxis
- Prevention of tooth decay and gum disease
- Early detection of dental diseases
- Promotion of good oral hygiene habits
- Long-term preservation of natural teeth
This concept is an important part of preventive dental care and helps patients to optimise their oral health.
