Pediatric Dentistry

Unfortunately, tooth decay does not spare even very young children. Parents often underestimate the importance of caring for their children’s teeth. An alarming fact is that in the Czech Republic, only 15–20% of children aged 5–6 have healthy teeth. Responsible parents should bring their child to a dentist as early as around the age of one. It is important to keep in mind that the condition of the primary (baby) teeth can significantly affect the condition of the permanent teeth.

- Why does tooth decay occur even in small children?

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that convert sugars into acids. These acids then damage the tooth enamel. Decay can appear very soon after the teeth erupt. It is often a so-called baby bottle decay (sometimes referred to as “honey teeth”), which mainly affects the upper front teeth. It develops as a result of insufficient hygiene and prolonged exposure to sugars, especially from sweet drinks. It typically occurs in children who fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, tea, or porridge. It is important to know that both baby teeth and permanent teeth erupt immature. The enamel matures over approximately two years, during which it becomes mineralized with the help of substances from saliva. During this period, teeth are very susceptible to decay.

- Do not underestimate baby teeth

It is not true that baby teeth do not need treatment. Untreated decay can cause painful health complications for a child and may also have other serious consequences, including psychological ones. Negative experiences such as emergency visits, hospitalization, or painful treatment (for example local anesthesia) may lead to a long-term fear of the dentist that a person can carry throughout life.

- We are not afraid of the dentist

Pediatric dentistry is not only about check-ups, but also about education. Children learn that teeth need to be cared for in order to prevent problems and pain. We help children overcome fear of dental treatment and build trust in the dentist. Thanks to an individual, patient, friendly, and playful approach, we are able to motivate children to cooperate and free them from fear of examination.

- Prevent traumatic experiences

Visit our clinic in time. Parents can receive practical information from us about proper care of children’s teeth as well as the choice of suitable dental tools. With an early visit, we can detect possible eruption disorders and, if necessary, recommend orthodontic treatment. We emphasize that regular care is the key to successful prevention.

- Help children brush their teeth

Most children need help from an adult when brushing their teeth. Until a child can clean their teeth perfectly on their own, they must always be assisted with brushing. We also recommend that both parents and children visit the same dentist. Shared visits save time and at the same time teach children proper habits by following their parents’ example. Remember that parents are responsible for the condition of their child’s teeth.

- What to do for healthy children’s teeth

  • Start cleaning the teeth as early as possible (from the very first tooth)

  • Attend preventive check-ups (twice a year)

  • Do not give your child sweet drinks in a bottle before bedtime

  • Limit pacifier use and help the child stop thumb-sucking

  • Help children finish brushing their teeth properly

- Pediatric dentistry at our clinic

At our clinic, we pay special attention to pediatric dentistry. The environment is adapted for children of all age groups.

Basic procedures include fissure sealing and topical fluoride treatment.

- Fissure sealing

Fissures are small grooves on the chewing surfaces of teeth where plaque can easily accumulate and decay can develop. Similarly, so-called blind pits may be difficult to clean. Fissure sealing consists of closing these grooves with a special material (white resin), which smooths the tooth surface and reduces the risk of cavities. We recommend this procedure especially for newly erupted molars and for children with an increased risk of tooth decay.

- Topical fluoride treatment

Fluoride treatment means applying fluoride to the surface of the tooth enamel, which increases its resistance to acids produced by bacteria. If regular fluoride intake (from food, water, or toothpaste) is not sufficient, we also provide topical fluoride treatment in the clinic. It helps not only in prevention but also in the treatment of early decay, enamel demineralization, and tooth sensitivity. It is suitable, for example, for children with braces or for patients with an increased risk of cavities.