Children’s Dentist in Sanremo

Prevention, gentle care and a positive relationship with the dentist from an early age

Paediatric dentistry focuses on the oral health of children and teenagers, from the appearance of their first teeth through to adolescence.

At Raschiotti Dental Practice in Sanremo, we welcome young patients with a gradual and reassuring approach. We respect their individual pace and help them become familiar with the dental environment without fear.

Our aim is not only to treat any existing problems, but above all to prevent them and establish good habits from an early age that can support the child throughout their development.

The first dental appointment

A child’s first dental appointment is generally recommended at around 18 to 24 months of age, even when there is no pain or obvious problem. If there are concerns about teething, dental trauma, marks on the teeth or other signs, the check-up should be arranged sooner.

The first appointment allows us to check the health of the teeth and gums, observe the development of the mouth and provide parents with personalised advice about oral hygiene, diet and the prevention of tooth decay.

It also gives the child an opportunity to become familiar with the practice and its team in a calm setting, without associating the dentist with pain or an emergency.

An approach that respects each child’s individual pace

Every child responds to a dental appointment differently. Some are curious and cooperative from their first visit, while others need more time before they feel comfortable.

We therefore use simple explanations, age-appropriate language and a gradual approach. Before beginning any treatment, we aim to establish a relationship based on trust and cooperation with the young patient.

Parents also play an important role. Talking about the appointment calmly and avoiding words associated with fear or pain can help the child approach the experience more positively.

The importance of caring for milk teeth

Milk teeth should not be neglected simply because they will eventually be replaced.

They are essential for chewing, speech and the proper development of the mouth. They also maintain the space required for the permanent teeth to erupt.

Untreated decay can cause pain, infection or an abscess and, in more advanced cases, lead to the premature loss of the tooth. Early treatment helps protect the child’s well-being and reduces the likelihood of requiring more complex care in an emergency.

Preventing tooth decay from an early age

Prevention begins at home with good oral hygiene and balanced eating habits.

During regular appointments, we check for plaque, assess the condition of the teeth and identify any factors that could increase the risk of tooth decay. We also provide advice about toothbrush use, the appropriate amount of toothpaste and the assistance parents should provide during brushing.

Depending on the child’s age and individual level of risk, specific preventive treatments may be considered, including professional fluoride applications and fissure sealants.

Fissure sealants for permanent teeth

The first permanent molars generally appear at around six years of age. Because they erupt behind the milk teeth without replacing them, parents may not realise that these are already permanent teeth.

The chewing surfaces of these molars have deep grooves in which plaque and food debris can accumulate.

Fissure sealing involves applying a protective material within these grooves to make them easier to clean and reduce the risk of decay. Its suitability is assessed according to the shape of the tooth and the child’s individual risk.

Fluoride and enamel protection

Fluoride helps make the enamel more resistant to the acids responsible for tooth decay.

During check-ups, we assess oral hygiene habits and individual risk before providing advice on the use of fluoride toothpaste. When appropriate, professional fluoride treatments can be applied directly to the teeth.

The amount used and method of application should be appropriate for the child’s age and recommended by a dental professional.

Monitoring growth and orthodontic assessment

During a child’s development, it is important to monitor not only the eruption of the teeth, but also the growth of the dental arches, palate and chewing function.

An orthodontic assessment is particularly helpful at around 6 or 7 years of age, when both milk teeth and permanent teeth are present. At this stage, it is possible to identify problems involving space, crossbite, a narrow palate, mouth breathing or habits such as thumb sucking.

It is not always necessary to begin treatment immediately. In many cases, it is sufficient to monitor growth through scheduled check-ups.

Dental injuries in children

Falls and minor accidents can cause a tooth to fracture, move or be lost.

Following a dental injury, it is important to contact the practice as soon as possible, even when the damage appears minor. A prompt assessment allows the tooth, surrounding tissues and any effects that may not be immediately visible to be examined.

If a permanent tooth fractures, it is helpful to recover the fragment, store it in milk or saline solution and bring it to the appointment.

Conscious sedation with nitrous oxide

For some children, fear or anxiety can make dental treatment difficult. When appropriate, we can use conscious sedation with a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide, administered through a small mask placed over the nose.

The child remains awake, breathes independently and can communicate with the dentist, but feels calmer and more relaxed. This can make cooperation easier and help create a more comfortable and reassuring treatment experience.

Before sedation is used, the child’s health, age, level of cooperation and any possible contraindications are assessed. Sedation is administered by trained professionals, with the young patient monitored continuously and established safety procedures followed throughout.

Has your child never visited a dentist before?

A calm first appointment allows us to check their oral health and help them become familiar with the practice without waiting for pain to develop.

Frequently asked questions about paediatric dentistry

At what age is a first dental appointment recommended?

An initial assessment is generally recommended at around 18 to 24 months of age, even when there are no apparent problems. If the child has pain, experiences dental trauma, develops marks on the teeth or there are concerns about teething, an earlier check-up should be arranged.

How can I prepare my child for their first appointment?

It is helpful to talk about the appointment calmly and present it as a normal, positive experience. Expressions such as “it won’t hurt” or “don’t be afraid”, as well as references to injections or instruments, are best avoided because they may unintentionally create anxiety.

Is it normal for a child to be afraid of the dentist?

It can happen, particularly when the first dental experience occurs during an emergency or when the child is already in pain. A gradual approach, simple explanations and preventive appointments help establish a more positive relationship.

Do decayed milk teeth need to be treated?

Yes. Milk teeth are important for chewing, speech, the development of the mouth and maintaining the space required for permanent teeth. Untreated decay can cause pain, infection and premature tooth loss.

Does tooth decay treatment hurt a child?

Treatment is provided with particular attention to the young patient’s comfort. Local anaesthesia is used when necessary, and we proceed at the child’s pace, explaining each stage in age-appropriate language.

What are fissure sealants?

Fissure sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the grooves of permanent molars. They make the surface easier to clean and help reduce the risk of decay developing in the deeper areas.

When should the need for orthodontic treatment be assessed?

A first orthodontic assessment is generally helpful at around 6 or 7 years of age. At this stage, the development of the dental arches can be observed and any problems that may benefit from early treatment or continued monitoring can be identified.

What should I do if my child breaks a tooth?

It is important to contact the practice and have the child examined as soon as possible. If available, the tooth fragment should be recovered and stored in milk or saline solution until the appointment.

Would you like to protect your child’s smile from an early age?

Book an appointment at Raschiotti Dental Practice in Sanremo. We will check your child’s oral health and provide personalised advice to prevent tooth decay and support the healthy development of their smile.