Preventive Care for Children

Early childhood cavities, also known as baby bottle cavities, can appear as early as 6 months of age. In Switzerland, approximately 13% of 2-year-old children already have cavities, a figure that rises to 30% in 5-year-old children. These statistics highlight the importance of a preventive approach from the appearance of the first teeth.

Baby teeth, although temporary, play a crucial role in your child's development. They maintain the space necessary for permanent teeth, facilitate good chewing, and contribute to normal language development. Premature loss of baby teeth due to cavities can lead to dental alignment problems requiring costly orthodontic treatments later.

Dental hygiene habits acquired during childhood generally persist into adulthood. By establishing a positive and regular dental care routine from the earliest age, you give your child the tools necessary to maintain excellent oral health throughout their life. Our dental practice in Chavannes-près-Renens emphasizes fun and age-appropriate education, transforming dental care into a positive experience rather than a chore.

Regular visits to the pediatric dentist allow for the detection and treatment of dental problems at an early stage, when they are easier and less costly to resolve. This includes not only cavities, but also jaw development problems, malocclusions, and other conditions that can affect your child's oral health.

Regular dental examinations are the cornerstone of prevention in pediatric dentistry. The Swiss Association of Dentists (SSO) recommends a first visit to the dentist from the appearance of the first tooth or at the latest at the age of one year. Subsequently, semi-annual check-ups allow monitoring of your child's dental development and rapid intervention if necessary.

During these examinations in our practice in Chavannes-près-Renens, we evaluate not only the health of teeth and gums, but also the overall development of the mouth, including jaw growth and occlusion. We use child-adapted techniques and specially designed equipment to make the examination comfortable and non-intimidating.

Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that daily brushing cannot reach. For children, we adapt the frequency and intensity of cleaning according to their age and specific needs. These sessions are also an opportunity to teach children good brushing techniques and flossing in a fun and interactive way.

Fluoride is an essential element in cavity prevention. It strengthens tooth enamel and makes teeth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria. In our clinic, we offer topical fluoride applications adapted to the child's age and caries risk. These treatments are quick, painless and can significantly reduce the risk of cavities.

In Switzerland, where water is generally not fluoridated, these professional applications play a particularly important role. We also advise parents on the appropriate use of fluoridated toothpaste at home, taking into account the child's age and ability to spit out toothpaste.

Dental sealants are a particularly effective preventive method for protecting permanent molars against cavities. These thin layers of resin are applied to the chewing surfaces of posterior teeth, where deep grooves can easily retain food particles and bacteria.

The application of sealants is a simple and painless process that can be performed as soon as the first permanent molars erupt, usually around the age of 6. Studies show that sealants can reduce the risk of cavities on occlusal surfaces by up to 80% during the first two years following application.

Nutrition plays a fundamental role in oral health. Our team in Chavannes-près-Renens provides personalized nutritional counseling to help parents make food choices that promote their children's dental health. We explain the impact of sugars and acids on teeth, and suggest healthy and tasty alternatives that children will enjoy.

The first visit to the dentist can define your child's attitude towards dental care for years to come. In our practice in Chavannes-près-Renens, we have created an environment specially designed to put children at ease. From colorful waiting rooms with toys and books to child-adapted dental equipment, everything is designed to create a welcoming and reassuring atmosphere.

To prepare your child for their visit, we recommend speaking positively about the upcoming experience. Read books about dental visits, play dentist at home, and avoid using the dental visit as a threat. If you have apprehensions about the dentist yourself, try not to pass them on to your child.

On the day of the visit, arrive a few minutes early to allow your child to acclimate to the environment. Bring their favorite toy or stuffed animal to reassure them. Our team is trained to welcome children with patience and gentleness, adapting the pace of the consultation to each child's needs.

During this crucial period, the emphasis is on parent education. We teach techniques for cleaning gums and first teeth, advise on the appropriate use of bottles and pacifiers, and guide parents in introducing solid foods that promote dental health.

At this age, children begin to develop their autonomy. We teach adapted brushing techniques, gradually introduce flossing, and begin professional fluoride applications. This is also the ideal time to identify and correct bad habits like thumb sucking.

With the arrival of permanent teeth, prevention becomes even more crucial. We apply sealants to permanent molars, closely monitor occlusion development, and reinforce the importance of autonomous oral hygiene. This is also a period where we evaluate the potential need for early orthodontic treatments.

Adolescents face unique challenges in oral health, including hormonal changes, variable eating habits, and often wearing orthodontic appliances. We adapt our preventive advice to these realities, emphasizing responsibility and the importance of dental care for their image and overall health.