Paediatric dentistry is the medical specialty dedicated to children's oral health. Paediatric dentists have the qualification, experience and knowledge needed to care for the well-being of children's oral cavity throughout the entire developmental period.
Fear is a natural, inevitable phenomenon that appears as a reaction to dental procedures. It is more common in young children and decreases towards adolescence. That is why young children would do well to come to a dental practice first as companions of their parents, to get used to the environment, noises and smells.
The first proper visit to the dental practice should be as early as possible, in a comfortable and pleasant environment, so that the doctor has the chance to befriend the child and carry out pain-free procedures, so that later the word "dentist" does not become a nightmare for them. Parents have an important role in accepting dental treatment: they must prepare children at home, explain that nothing bad will happen to them and encourage them throughout the treatment session.
Children's teeth begin to erupt after the first 6 months of life. Between ages 6 and 7, baby teeth are gradually replaced by permanent teeth. Problems that can lead to disease of children's teeth must be anticipated so that intervention is possible at the right time. Without adequate and early dental care, children may face various carious problems that can cause discomfort, unbearable pain or complications.
Thanks to technological developments in the field, treatments assisted by inhalation sedation can be an option to provide extra comfort in the dental chair and to keep treatment a pleasant experience.