Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on providing dental care and treatment for children from infancy through adolescence. It involves the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral health problems in infants, children, and teenagers, as well as those with special needs.

Pediatric dentists train to work with children, including how to manage dental anxiety, behavior management techniques, and child psychology. They also focus on educating parents and caregivers about oral health and hygiene practices to help ensure that children establish good oral health habits from a young age.

Common treatments include dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, extractions, space maintainers, and orthodontic evaluations. Pediatric dentists also often work closely with other healthcare providers, such as pediatricians, to ensure that children receive comprehensive healthcare.

Dentistry for Babies/ Infants (0-2)

One of those firsts is…you guessed it…teeth!

Typically between the ages of 4-6 months old, your child will start to develop their primary teeth, and as a parent, here are a few things that you should know about caring for your child’s first few teeth that will set them up nicely for a healthy future!

Dental Care Facts for Infants and Babies in Geneva, Switzerland.

Maintaining your child’s dental health and overall well-being is as important before he or she is born as it is during their first year of life. To ensure that your child is receiving the highest level of care in Geneva, Switzerland, your ideal choice is to work closely with the leading experts at Summit Dental.

The following are essential steps that must be taken before birth as well as up to your child’s first birthday.

Prenatal

Good dental healthcare begins in the womb! It is very important to maintain dental health care throughout pregnancy. Research has linked periodontal disease with preterm birth and low birth weight. In addition, mothers with poor dental health could be at a higher risk of passing bacteria that causes cavities to their children.

We recommend speaking with your doctor or dentist on ways you can prevent or treat periodontal disease during pregnancy.

There are many things that can be done to help reduce risks, such as regular visits to your dentist, daily brushing and flossing, a healthy diet that is low in sugars and starches, choosing a toothpaste with fluoride, and rinsing daily with an alcohol-free rinse. Never share eating utensils or other items that can transmit bacteria to your children. If you chew gum, choose something with xylitol, as this can decrease your and your children’s caries rate.

Infant Oral Care

When babies are born, they typically have around 20 teeth partly formed inside the gums.

The front two – lower first and then upper – are the first to erupt between 6-12 months of age.

By age 3, most kids have a set of fully functional 20 primary teeth in their mouths.

To ensure proper dental health, the we recommend scheduling your child’s first appointment between the arrival of their first tooth and first birthday.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Early childhood caries (cavities) is also referred to as “baby bottle tooth decay.” This is a serious condition that is a result of lengthy exposure of your infant’s teeth to liquids that contain sugar. These liquids can include milk, breast milk, formula, juice and any other sweetened drinks.

Putting your infant to sleep, whether for a nap or bedtime, with a bottle containing anything other than water can result in severe and rapid tooth decay. The sugar pools around the teeth give plaque a chance to produce acid that attacks their tooth enamel.

It can be difficult to put a baby to bed without a bottle to comfort them, and thus we recommend only using water. If needed, gradually dilute their normal drink of choice with water over several weeks until it only contains water.

Additionally, after each night-time feeding, wipe your child’s gums and teeth with a damp washcloth to remove the plaque.

Sippy Cups

Sippy cups are recommended as a training tool to help your child transition from a bottle to a cup, and should no longer be necessary after their first birthday.

If your child continues to use a sippy cup throughout the day, fill it with water only at any time outside of meals. The prolonged period of exposure to liquids containing sugars through sippy cups will increase the cavity-causing bacteria in your child’s mouth.

Primary Teeth are Very Important!

Sometimes, parents ask us “why are primary teeth so important if they are going to fall out anyways?”

That’s a great question! Here’s why:

Primary teeth are a critical step to ensure there is adequate spacing between teeth. Without adequate spacing, permanent teeth may not develop properly, and it’s possible there is a higher likelihood your child will need braces down the road.

The primary teeth provide structure and support for the mouth and face as your child grows (and we know how fast they grow during their first couple of years)!

While it’s easy to think that these aren’t permanent teeth so they aren’t important, that couldn’t be further from the truth! You should care for your child’s primary teeth just as you would for permanent, adult teeth.

Tips to Deal with Teething

Teething isn’t fun for babies or mom and dad, but it isn’t the end of the world! Here are a couple of tips to help your baby navigate through the teething stage:

We commonly recommend using Children’s Acetaminophen or Children’s Ibuprofen to help ease your child’s pain during the teething process and encourage you to speak to a paediatric dentist or your paediatrician about teething.

Give your baby something hard (but edible) to chew on that will help prepare their gums for tooth eruption. A carrot or cucumber is a great choice.

Don’t Put Your Baby to Bed with Milk

There’s a good chance your parents put you to sleep with a bottle of milk, but in reality this isn’t good for your child’s teeth.

The sugar in milk can lead to baby bottle tooth decay, and should be avoided right before bedtime. Of course it’s fine for your child to drink milk (provided they don’t have an allergy), but their teeth and gums should be cleaned after they drink milk before going to bed for the night.

How to Carefully Clean Primary Teeth

You can gently clean their new primary teeth and gums with a washcloth and warm water, and when they are old enough, you can begin to use toothpaste.

Remember that your child’s teeth and gums are sensitive at this stage, so don’t be too rough!

When you come in for your child’s first dental appointment, we will show you our favorite techniques!

Your Child’s First Dental Visit

We recommend your child see a pediatric dentist around their first birthday (if they are having any issues, feel free to bring them in even sooner).

At Summit Dental, we perform dental exams on young children around their first birthday to ensure their teeth and gums look healthy, and everything is developing on schedule. We will be able to see immediately if something is out of the ordinary or needs extra attention.

Dentistry for Toddlers (3-5)

A toddler will develop his or her full set of 20 primary teeth between the ages of 6 months and 3 years, which means that this is a critical stage for setting your child on the correct path towards proper dental care.

During this time, the dentist’s office should be a place that your child begins visiting regularly. If you live in the Geneva area, look no further than Summit Dental for your toddler dentistry needs.

The first step to proper dental care for toddlers is to bring your child in for his or her first dental visit between their first and second birthday, i.e., within 6 months of the eruption of their first tooth.

The reasons are as follows:

Your child will meet the pediatric dentist and start becoming accustomed to the idea of visiting us every 6 months for a regular checkup. This should help decrease fear, resistance, and other common childhood reactions to dental visits.

We will carefully assess the development of your child’s primary teeth, jaw structure, and other crucial aspects of their dental health.

Although bottle and sippy cup use should have stopped by the age of 1, we will continue monitoring your child’s teeth for any signs of baby bottle tooth decay.

Tips from Our Geneva Pediatric Dentists

A regular cleaning of the mouth should have begun long before your child begins teething. After the appearance of the first primary tooth, however, you must clean it and the entire mouth with damp gauze or a washcloth after every meal. This method should be sufficient for the first 6-8 teeth, as front teeth erupt first and are easier to clean.

Developing healthy eating habits early will help protect your child’s dental health throughout his or her life. Establish a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, primarily whole grains and low-fat dairy products, lean protein options, and non-sugary drinks. Also, discourage snacking as much as possible, as many snacks contains large quantities of sugar.

Sucking on thumbs and/or pacifiers is a normal reflex for children of this age, as it helps them feel calm and secure. This habit generally stops between the ages of 2 and 4, yet it can still lead to early problems with your child’s bite and tooth alignment – particularly if done vigorously. As such, discourage thumb-sucking and pacifier use by preventing the underlying causes. If that fails, consult your dentist for other effective solutions.

Why Summit Dental for Your Preschooler?

By the time your toddler is 3-5 years old, he or she may not be old enough to perform proper dental care on their own yet they are certainly old enough to begin developing proper habits that will lead them to become healthy adults.

Toddlers have specific needs and your dentist may not be as well equipped to handle the needs of your child as well as they are for your own dental care needs. The first step is finding a dentist comfortable in treating toddlers, and Summit Dental in Geneva, Switzerland is precisely the specialized care you need.

Your Child’s First Permanent Tooth!

It is possible that around the age of 5, your child will lose their first tooth, which is certainly an exciting time for them (and we hope you are ready for the tooth fairy!).

Shortly after your child loses their first tooth, a permanent tooth will begin to break through the gums and come in. When this happens, it is a good idea to see a pediatric dentist to ensure the tooth is coming in properly and everything looks good.

Proper Dental Care Starts at Home

Proper dental care begins at home, which is why it is important to perform the following set of steps.

Brushing the teeth is the most important aspect of pre-schooler dentistry. Use a soft toothbrush with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

It is also important to begin flossing as soon as your child’s baby teeth begin aligning closely together, as food particles will become trapped in-between and could lead to cavities if not cleaned properly.

Brushing Your Pre-schooler’s Teeth

When brushing your child’s teeth, make sure to pay special attention to the back teeth as well as the gum line. A thorough cleaning of these areas will help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other problems later in your child’s life.

Establish a regular brushing schedule after breakfast and just before bedtime, and encourage brushing after meals and snacks whenever possible.

What To Look For in a Child’s Toothpaste

Your child’s toothpaste should be supplemented by the fluoride found in fluoridate salt, as fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and makes it significantly more resistant to bacteria and decay.

The amount of fluoride contained in a regular adult toothpaste is usually between 1000-1500ppm. You want to be sure that before the age if 6, your childs toothpaste is limited to 500ppm. This information can be found on the back of the toothpaste tube.

Unfortunately, young children are prone to unintentional swallowing of toothpaste so you should always be present when they are brushing.

Teaching Proper Brushing and Flossing to Pre-schoolers

Your child may want to try brushing and flossing on their own, but you must be there for assistance and supervision at all times. Most children develop proper brushing skills by the time they are 6 years old, with flossing skills developing shortly afterward – by 8 years of age. A preschooler will usually lack the dexterity required for accommodating the rapidly changing needs of his or her growing mouth.

To learn more about preschooler dentistry, please do not hesitate to contact us at Summit Dental today. Your pediatric dentist in Geneva is only one call away!

Preventing Cavities with Hygiene and Proper Diet

Many parents aren’t aware that children can develop cavities in either their primary teeth or their new permanent teeth if they are not adequately cared for. Here are a few tips to keep your child from developing cavities at such a young age:

At this age, your child still may drink a lot milk. It’s important that you assist them in adequately cleaning their teeth before bed (don’t let them fall asleep with a cup of milk)!

Limit the amount of sugary foods that your child consumes, as too much sugar can create the perfect set of circumstances for bacteria to grow and potentially lead to cavities.

You’ll also still need to supervise your child while they brush their teeth at this age. If you teach them proper brushing form and oral care habits at a young age, they’ll be more likely to stick with them for life!

Dental Emergencies Happen!

We probably don’t need to tell you that kids at this age are extremely active and seemingly get into everything! This can lead to a variety of bumps, cuts, and bruises, including possible dental trauma.

If your child is experiencing a dental emergency related to trauma, the best course of action is to take them to the local emergency room, and it is what we usually recommend to parents calling our practice regarding emergencies!

Dentistry for Pre-adolescents (6-12)

This is a critical period in your child’s life where they really start playing sports, getting into other activities, and maybe even making a few friends that will last a lifetime.

Even though this is a very busy period in your child’s life, you still need to make sure that they are taking proper care of their teeth and gums, as well as visiting a dentist twice per year.

Here are a few tips that we have for ensuring your kids take care of their teeth and gums while enjoying the joys of elementary school and all that comes along with it:

Parents Should Still Supervise Brushing and Flossing

While 10-11 year olds can likely handle their own dental hygiene, it’s still important that parents supervise children ages 6-9 as they brush their teeth and floss. Your child may love to take care of their teeth (some children do), or they may think it’s something annoying that gets in their way of having fun.

Either way, parents should supervise to ensure they are not only brushing twice a day and flossing, but doing it correctly. Remember, your child should floss once per day, and brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes!

Ask Us About Dental Sealants

During these years, your child will develop most, if not all of their permanent teeth. It’s very important to take care of permanent teeth during these early years, and one way that we do that at Summit Dental is by protecting the teeth with dental sealants.

We’ll probably mention dental sealants to you first (as they are a great line of defence against cavities), but if we don’t, make sure to mention it to your dentist and hygienist.

We Really Recommend You Invest in a Sports Mouthguard

If your child enjoys going down the skate park in Planpalais or is starting out on a new sports team, then consider a professionally made, custom mouth guard.

The days of going to the store down the street and getting a boil and bite mouthguard off of the rack are over. Sure, those are better than no protection at all, but is that really what you want your child to be wearing when they get hit square in the mouth with a basketball?

At Summit Dental we highly recommend that you invest in a custom mouthguard for your child, and will be happy to point you in the right direction. While these mouthguards aren’t cheap, they are very affordable when you consider what your medical bills might be if their teeth aren’t adequately protected!

Your Child Should Have their First Orthodontic Evaluation Around Age 7

Many parents think that if their child’s teeth seem to be coming in straight, then a trip to the orthodontist isn’t necessary, and that can be a mistake.

Sure, there are obvious cases where a child needs orthodontic care, but the American Association of Orthodontists recommend that a child get their first orthodontic evaluation around the age of 7.

Sometimes the problems aren’t so obvious, and minor, less expensive treatment at an early age can keep you from having bigger orthodontic bills down the road.

Dentistry for Adolescents (12-18)

Even if you have a child that is well-behaved, it is still a challenge! While your child’s dental health probably isn’t the first thing on your mind during these years, it’s still very important!

Here are a few tips from Summit Dental on how to keep your child’s teeth healthy during these years:

As a teenager, self-esteem and factors that influence it are probably one of your main priorities, the main factor perhaps being a healthy and beautiful smile. The teenage years are also a time in a person’s life where you develop habits that often carry you through life, which means that it is crucial to develop habits that will not lead to harmful effects. If you live in the Geneva, Switzerland area and would like to ensure that you are on the right track in your dental care, your dentist from Summit Dental is here for you.

The following is a list of common dental issues that we encounter with teenage dentistry:

Oral Piercings

Today, it is quite common to see teenagers with pierced lips, cheeks or tongues, and most teens may see the appeal without knowing the dangers associated with this decision. A piercing may chip or fracture your teeth, which could lead to your needing a filling, a crown, or even a root canal. Because your mouth is naturally filled with bacteria, an oral piercing could also cause blood clots, nerve damage, heart infection, brain abscess, and many others. If the jewelry becomes lose, you could also choke! If you are still considering oral piercings, we recommend that you see us for a consultation.

Smoking

Smoking is one of the most serious health hazards, and it is important to become well-educated on the dangers in order to avoid starting this habit.

The consequences of tobacco use range from minor issues – such as stained teeth and bad breath – to much more serious issues, including oral cancer and periodontal disease, i.e., gum disease. If you currently use tobacco products, make sure to inform your dentist of that as well as of any oral problems you might be experiencing, such as any unusual pain, swelling, etc. If you do not smoke or chew tobacco, we strongly recommend that you do not start!

Fortunately, smoking and tobacco use is on the decline in teens. As is well documented, tobacco can wreak havoc on your teeth, gums, and can significantly increase your child’s risk of oral cancer.

Eating Disorders

Two common disorders are anorexia – not eating due to an irrational fear of gaining weight, which leads to vomiting; and bulimia – binge-eating followed by intentional vomiting. Aside from a variety of health issues and potentially life-threatening situations, eating disorders directly contribute to an acid erosion of the tooth’s enamel. We have a variety of treatment options that would restore your teeth, including dental crowns and fillings. While we cannot treat the disorder itself, we would likely be able to direct you to someone who can. If you, a friend, or a loved one suffers from an eating disorder, contact us immediately.

Dietary Habits

Carbonated beverages and snack foods, which teenagers tend to eat frequently, contain excessive amounts of sugar, starches, and acidic flavorings. These can increase the formation of plaque, leading to an erosion of the tooth’s enamel and ultimately tooth decay.

To avoid these issues, we recommend that you eat a balanced diet from the five major food groups and choose healthy snacks, such as raw fruits and vegetables, cheese or yogurt, nuts, etc. Drinking water instead of soda will also help avoid potential dental problems. If you have any questions on what you should be eating to promote better oral health, talking to us would be a good option.

Academic Stress

Academic stress is another common issue that teenagers experience, which can lead to involuntary grinding of teeth while sleeping. Symptoms include difficulty in moving your jaw, a clicking sound when doing so, and/or overall tooth and jaw sensitivity.

These symptoms might be early signs of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) – a painful condition that constricts jaw movement – so we recommend that you visit our office immediately if you experience any of the above. We may need to provide you with a night guard that prevents you from grinding your teeth.

Mouth Guards : Protecting Your Teeth During Sports

Because teenagers often participate in sports, it is important to remember that such activities may also cause damage to your oral health. Potential problems include cut lips, chipped or broken teeth, missing teeth, as well as root and bone damage. If you play sports and do not have a mouth guard, you should see us as soon as possible. We will create a custom mouth guard to fit over your upper teeth – sometimes over braces or other fixed dental devices – so that you are protected from the above hazards involved in playing sports.

As your child gets older, sports get much more competitive. Regardless of the sport, the ball (or puck) starts moving faster, and the hits get harder. The question is, do you really want your child to be wearing a flimsy, insecure, over the counter mouth guard when they get hit square in the mouth with a soccer ball, basketball or even a hockey puck?

We didn’t think so.

At Summit Dental we highly recommend that you invest in a custom mouthguard for your teen, and we will be happy to point you in the right direction. While these mouthguards are a bit of an investment, they pale in comparison to what your medical bills might be if several of your child’s teeth get knocked out!

Orthodontics

Many children and teenagers experience dental issues such as crooked or crowded teeth and/or poor jaw alignment. Aside from a lower self-esteem and social anxiety, these dental issues are a risk for the proper function of teeth as well as for overall dental health.

Among today’s orthodontic options, we offer metal braces as well as clear aligners – clear, plastic aligners that move the teeth to their ideal position. Our teenage patients tend to choose clear aligners because it is removable, making it easier to maintain proper oral hygiene than with braces, among other benefits. However, to determine which treatment is right for you, contact us for a consultation.

Teeth Whitening

If you are a teenager and would like to have your teeth whitened, we strongly recommend that you contact us to help you choose a whitening option that is right for you. Today’s variety of whitening products can cause serious damage to your teeth if used incorrectly. You may not even be in need of teeth whitening if you visit your dentist regularly for thorough cleanings, which takes care of surface stains among other things.

Whitening toothpastes are another safe option for removing surface stains but there use should not be used for prolonged periods, as they may affect enamel quality. If staining persists, you may need professional whitening, but it is important to speak with us prior to making any decision.

Tooth Decay

We know at this age it’s a challenge to get your child to care about their oral health and tooth decay, however it’s very important. If their teeth start to decay significantly during their teen years, it can set them up for a lifetime of dental challenges.

While you can’t control everything they do, we encourage you to make healthy eating choices as a family, as this can significantly limit the amount of junk food they consume (sugar is one of the primary causes of tooth decay).

Keeping Your Breath in Check

No teenager wants bad breath and as a parent, this point might help get your child to take very good care of their teeth!

In addition to routine oral hygiene, your teenager can chew sugar-free gum, as well as use mouthwash daily to help prevent bad breath. A tongue scraper can also be a great investment as well.

If you are finding that your child seems to have chronic bad breath, it could be due to something other than their hygiene (such as an issue with allergies or acid reflux). If this is the case, we recommend seeing your primary care provider.

Keeping Their Smile Beautiful

In addition to avoiding tobacco and sugary foods, another “life hack” that can keep your child’s teeth whiter and brighter is to avoid coffee and dark colas. While one every now and then won’t hurt them, over time drinking several dark colas or coffees per day could stain your child’s teeth, and turn those bright whites to dingy yellow.

No one wants that! So if your child likes to drink sodas (most teens do), they should limit their intake, and drink through a straw.