A pediatric dentist is a specialized oral healthcare professional who has undergone three additional years of training focused on treating children. Their expertise lies in providing comprehensive dental care to infants, children, and adolescents throughout their teenage years.

The ideal time for your child to visit a pediatric dentist is at around 12-15 months old or as soon as their front teeth start to erupt. During this visit, the dentist will conduct an examination to ensure the healthy development of the teeth and supporting soft tissues. They will also provide advice on preventive measures. This is also an opportunity for parents to discuss topics such as feeding practices, teething, and habits like pacifier use or thumb-sucking.

Early intervention by a pediatric dentist can help prevent the need for more complex procedures in the future. If your child has a medical condition that increases the risk of dental problems, it may be beneficial to see a pediatric dentist early on.

Additionally, dental trauma is common among children between the ages of 2 and 4, as they start walking and may be unsteady on their feet. If your child is familiar with the dental environment through regular visits, they are more likely to remain calm and less anxious if they ever require emergency dental care.

The general recommendation is for children to visit the dentist every 6 months, taking into account their changing diet, habits, and growth. However, your dentist may customize the frequency of your child’s visits based on their specific needs and risks.

Dental issues can arise at a young age, and the prevalence of dental decay is a concerning global trend. A recent publication by the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry revealed that 40% of 5-year-olds in the UK have experienced dental decay, primarily due to the abundance of refined and hidden sugars in our diets. Similarly, in the US, one in four children have tooth decay by the age of 4, and one in ten children experience tooth decay before the age of two.

In very young children, frequent bottle usage or on-demand breastfeeding is a common cause of dental decay. However, an early dental visit can help identify these issues and potentially prevent the need for future dental interventions.

Furthermore, certain illnesses or systemic disturbances can affect the development of primary teeth, leading to poor enamel formation and an increased susceptibility to decay. Therefore, an early dental examination, around the age of one, can help identify these problems and provide guidance on avoiding future dental complications.

Several factors determine whether your child needs a dental x-ray, such as the proximity of their teeth, presence of dental decay or existing fillings, which categorizes them as high-risk.

Fortunately, with the use of digital radiology, the radiation dose your child receives is minimal. We prioritize minimizing the number of x-rays taken. However, it is generally recommended that your child has two small x-rays for caries detection when there is no spacing between the back teeth. These x-rays are typically done at approximately one-year intervals, taking individual circumstances into account.

Certainly not, as long as it is administered in the appropriate dosage. Giving fluoride to children in the correct amount is safe and beneficial for their dental health. However, it is not recommended to provide fluoride to children under the age of 6 months, as their kidneys are still developing. Once their teeth have erupted, typically after 6 months, it is recommended to use fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride is essential in preventing tooth decay and plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy smile throughout your child’s lifetime. Your dentist can assist you in determining the correct amount of fluoride to use for your child.

Primary, or “baby,” teeth serve several important purposes. They contribute to clear speech and proper chewing function, as well as maintain the necessary space for the eruption of permanent teeth. While children begin losing their baby teeth around the age of 6, the primary molars typically remain until 10-12 years of age. If a cavity is left untreated, it can result in pain, gum and jaw infections, negative effects on overall health, and premature loss of teeth. This premature loss can lead to space loss and potential orthodontic issues in the future.

Neglecting to restore decayed teeth allows the bacteria responsible for tooth decay to multiply within the decayed areas, potentially spreading to other teeth and even affecting the permanent teeth as they emerge.

Preformed stainless steel crowns are highly beneficial in several situations. They are particularly effective for restoring severely damaged teeth, primary molars that have undergone pulp therapy, and primary or permanent molars with enamel of poor quality due to developmental issues. These crowns have a significantly longer lifespan compared to other restorative options for primary posterior teeth in such cases. They align closely with the ideal scenario of not requiring replacement before the natural shedding of the primary tooth.

Sealants are protective coatings made of clear or colored plastic that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, which are prone to decay. The most commonly sealed teeth are the permanent molars, which typically erupt around the age of 6. Despite regular tooth brushing, the grooves on the biting surfaces of these teeth can retain food and plaque, making them susceptible to decay. In fact, it has been observed that the first permanent molars are the most commonly decayed teeth in adults.

Sealants function by filling in the grooves and pits on the tooth surface, creating a smooth barrier that prevents food particles from becoming trapped and potentially causing cavities. The application process is quick and comfortable, and sealants can effectively protect the teeth for many years. They provide an additional layer of defense against decay in hard-to-clean areas, ensuring the long-term oral health of the sealed teeth.

Non-nutritive sucking habits, such as thumb or pacifier sucking, are common in children, with prevalence rates ranging from 40% to 95% below the age of 12 months and gradually decreasing with age. Most children naturally stop these habits by the age of 6.

However, there can be complications associated with prolonged sucking habits. Dental malocclusions, such as narrowing of the upper jaw and anterior open bite (a gap between the top and bottom front teeth), can occur. Callus formation on the thumb or fingers, irritant eczema, and paronychia (infection at the nail-skin junction) may also arise. Additionally, increased overjet (protrusion of the upper front teeth) can make the front teeth more susceptible to accidents and potential damage.

It’s important to note that anterior open bites and increased overjets resulting from sucking habits usually self-correct if the habit is discontinued before the age of 6.

Another consideration is the social impact of thumb-sucking. Experimental studies with children aged 7 or older have shown that thumb-suckers may be perceived as less intelligent, happy, attractive, likable, and desirable as playmates by their peers.

Thumb-sucking is considered a normal phenomenon during the first two years of life, and parents need not be overly concerned. At this stage, the habit should not be actively discouraged, but parents should ensure that their child is receiving adequate nursing and feeding.

If thumb-sucking persists between 3-4 years of age, it may be indicative of underlying emotional stress, such as boredom, tiredness, frustration, or unhappiness. In such cases, parents should focus on minimizing stress, providing a warm and caring environment, and offering sufficient stimulation to prevent boredom. Threats or punishment for thumb-sucking are not helpful. If you find your child sucking their thumb while asleep, gently remove the thumb, but expect that it will likely find its way back into the mouth. It’s important to remain relaxed and accepting of the situation.

For children aged 6 and older, behavior modification techniques can be effective in reducing or stopping thumb-sucking. Instead of criticizing the act of sucking, which may be interpreted as punishment, reward periods of not sucking with a hug, a treat, or the opportunity to watch a favorite TV program. Verbal explanations accompanying the rewards enhance their effectiveness. The duration of non-sucking periods should gradually increase before the reward is given to encourage true progress.

Another successful approach is to interrupt the habit while reading to the child at bedtime or allowing them to watch a favorite TV program. As soon as the thumb-sucking starts, temporarily stop the reading or turn off the TV, only to resume when the thumb is removed from the mouth. Again, verbal explanations are important for reinforcing the message. These approaches have shown greater efficacy compared to using bitter-tasting substances on the thumb.

For older children who are unable to stop thumb-sucking on their own, orthodontic thumb guards can be fitted to help break the habit. These devices provide physical barriers and aid in the cessation of sucking.

Aftercare Tips for Profhilo Treatment

Profhilo is known for its low risk of bruising or marks due to the use of small needles. To ensure optimal results and minimize any potential complications, follow these aftercare instructions:

1. Care for the treated area: After your Profhilo treatment, it’s important to take proper care of the treated area. Follow any specific instructions provided by your practitioner regarding post-treatment care.
2. Avoid intense exercise: For the first 48 hours following the treatment, it is recommended to avoid engaging in intense exercise. This can help reduce the risk of swelling or excessive movement in the treated area.
3. Steer clear of certain activities: To promote optimal healing and prevent potential complications, avoid sun beds, saunas, facials, and steam rooms for a period of two weeks after the treatment. These activities can increase the risk of inflammation or infection in the treated area.
4. Consider Haenkenium cream: Profhilo offers a Haenkenium cream that is recommended to enhance the beautiful results of the treatment. This cream may provide additional nourishment and hydration to the skin, helping to maintain the desired outcome.

By following these aftercare tips and adhering to any personalised instructions provided by your practitioner, you can help ensure the best possible results from your Profhilo treatment. If you have any concerns or questions during the healing process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your practitioner for guidance.

Aftercare Tips for Treatment

Following your treatment, you can generally resume your day-to-day activities without any significant downtime. However, to achieve the best possible results and ensure the treatment’s effectiveness, it is essential to follow these aftercare guidelines:

1. Keep target muscles active: For a few hours after the treatment, it is recommended to keep the target muscles active. This helps the treatment to settle properly and ensures optimal results. Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions on how to engage and activate the treated muscles during this period.
2. Avoid extremes of heat or cold: To protect the treated area and avoid any potential adverse effects, it is advisable to avoid extremes of heat or cold for a certain period after the treatment. This includes avoiding hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, or applying ice packs directly to the treated area. Maintaining a moderate temperature will help the treatment settle smoothly.
3. Limit vigorous exercise for 24 hours: Engaging in vigorous exercise or strenuous physical activities immediately after the treatment may affect the results. It is recommended to avoid such activities for at least 24 hours to allow the treatment to properly take effect and reduce the risk of complications.
4. Avoid lying down or leaning over: To prevent the migration of the treatment substance and ensure its appropriate distribution, it is advised to avoid lying down or leaning over for 4-6 hours after the treatment. This precautionary measure helps maintain the desired results.

During your appointment, your healthcare provider will provide comprehensive advice tailored to your specific treatment and needs. It is important to carefully follow their instructions to maximise the benefits of the treatment and minimise any potential risks. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further guidance.

Aftercare Guidelines for Skin Treatment

Congratulations on your skin treatment! To ensure optimal results and a smooth recovery, please follow these aftercare guidelines:

DO’s:

1. Use HG lift and Rescue products: Your practitioner will provide you with HG lift and Rescue products. Use the remaining HG lift after treatment and the Rescue product on the day following treatment to calm and soothe the skin.
2. Resume normal skincare: After 24 hours, you can resume your normal skincare routine. However, note that the skin may feel tight and dehydrated during this time.
3. Protect from the sun: Avoid sun exposure on the day of treatment and for the following 24 hours. Use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 50 and continue to protect your skin from direct sunlight to maximize long-term results.
4. Maintain cleanliness: Ensure your bed has a clean pillowcase and use clean towels to avoid any potential infection.

DON’Ts:

1. Avoid unnecessary touching: Refrain from touching the treated area immediately after treatment to prevent post-treatment infection.
2. Postpone makeup application: Wait for 24 hours before applying any makeup to the treated area.
3. Avoid harsh products: For 24-48 hours after treatment, avoid using harsh perfumed, astringent, AHA, or alcohol-containing products in the treated area.
4. Stay away from chlorinated water: Refrain from swimming or exposing the treated area to chlorinated water for 4-5 days after treatment.
5. Limit heavy exercise: Avoid engaging in intense exercise sessions for 24-48 hours after treatment to allow for proper healing.
6. Coordinate with other treatments: Avoid undergoing any other clinical treatments for 1-4 weeks after treatment. Consult your practitioner for specific advice on combining treatments or starting new ones.
7. Delay shaving or after-shave products: Avoid shaving or using any after-shave products on the treated area for 12-48 hours after treatment.
8. Prevent pet licking: Do not allow pets to lick the treated area, as this can lead to infection.

Please follow these guidelines to ensure a successful recovery and achieve the best results from your skin treatment. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your practitioner.

Dermapen™ Clinical Procedure Aftercare Instructions

Thank you for undergoing the Dermapen™ clinical procedure. To ensure proper healing and minimise any potential complications, please follow these aftercare instructions:

1. Minor skin reactions: During the healing process, you may experience minor itching, hives, flaking, or redness. If these symptoms persist, please contact your Dermapen™ practitioner for further guidance.
2. Avoid picking, squeezing, or agitating: Refrain from picking or squeezing the treated area during the recovery period. It is essential to allow the skin to heal naturally.
3. Activities to avoid for up to 2 days: Please avoid the following activities for up to 2 days following the Dermapen™ clinical procedure:
   • Direct exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or solariums.
   • Intensive cardio, exercise, or gymnasium regimens.
   • Excessively hot showers, baths, spas, or saunas.
   • Spray tanning or self-tanning products.
   • Swimming in chlorinated pools or the ocean.
   • Tattooing, including cosmetic tattooing.
   • Any further clinical treatments such as microdermabrasion, laser, intense pulsed light, chemical peels, muscle relaxant injections, and dermal fillers should be avoided for up to two weeks.
4. Avoid certain active resurfacing ingredients: Refrain from using skin care products containing the following active resurfacing ingredients for up to 5 days after the Dermapen™ clinical procedure:
   • Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic, lactic, or malic acid.
   • Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) including salicylic acid.
   • Benzoyl peroxide.
   • Retinoids such as tretinoin, retinol, and retinaldehyde.
   • Hydroquinone.
   • High levels of Kojic or azelaic acid.
   • Alcohol, including isopropyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, or rubbing alcohol.

By adhering to these aftercare instructions, you will promote optimal healing and reduce the risk of complications. If you have any concerns or questions during the recovery period, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Dermapen™ practitioner for assistance.