What does the pediatric dentist do during the first appointment?
When children visit the clinic for the first time, the pediatric dentist conducts an examination of all their teeth and gums, as well as assessing their dental eruption and craniofacial development.
The purpose of this examination is to rule out any possible problems and to provide preventive guidelines, especially with regard to hygiene and eating habits.
For example, during the first months of a baby’s life, a silicone thimble can be used to get the baby used to oral manipulation, making it easier to incorporate brushing into their routine later on.
Once the first teeth erupt, it is essential to use a toothbrush with bristles adapted to their age, as well as fluoride toothpaste with 1000 ppm of fluoride.
Until they reach the age of 3, they should use a “scraped” amount of toothpaste, running the bristles of the brush over the toothpaste, and from that age onwards, they should use a pea-sized amount.
From the age of 6, the toothpaste should contain 1450 ppm of fluoride. Brushing should always be supervised. Children can start brushing independently from the age of 8.