Children’s Dentist in Gibraltar
Calm, supportive dental care to help children feel comfortable, protect their teeth and build healthy habits from an early age. At Tafur Dental Clinic Gibraltar, we understand that a child’s early experiences at the dentist can shape how they feel about
dental care in the future.
We take time to explain each step in age-appropriate language and help parents understand how to care for their child’s developing teeth.
Gentle dental visits from an early age
Children do not need to wait until they have toothache or a visible dental problem before visiting the dentist.
Early appointments allow children to become familiar with the clinic while giving the dentist an opportunity to check how their teeth, gums and bite are developing.
Even when a very young child is not ready for a complete examination, the visit can still be useful. Parents can receive practical advice about brushing, fluoride, diet, teething and what to expect as new teeth appear.
Children’s dentistry forms part of our wider general dentistry services in Gibraltar .
When should a child first visit the dentist?
It is helpful to arrange a child’s first dental visit when their first teeth begin to appear and, ideally, by their first birthday.
Starting early helps dental visits become a familiar and normal part of life.
A calm introduction
The first visit may simply involve meeting the dental team, becoming familiar with the room and having a brief examination when the child feels ready.
A developmental check
We can assess the teeth that have appeared, look at the gums and monitor how the child’s mouth and bite are developing.
Guidance for parents
Parents can ask questions about brushing, toothpaste, teething, eating habits, dummy use, thumb sucking and other concerns.
What happens during a child’s dental appointment?
The appointment is adapted to the child’s age, confidence and reason for attending.
We avoid forcing an examination when a young child is anxious and instead work gradually to build trust.
Checking the teeth and gums
Where possible, the dentist will examine the child’s teeth and gums for signs of decay, inflammation, discomfort or developmental concerns.
Monitoring the bite
As children grow, we can monitor how the baby and adult teeth are emerging and whether the bite appears to be developing normally.
Preventive advice
We explain how much toothpaste to use, how parents can help with brushing and how the timing of sugary foods and drinks can affect the risk of tooth decay.
A clear treatment plan
When treatment is needed, the dentist will explain the findings, suitable options and next steps to the parent or guardian before proceeding.
Reasons to bring your child to the dentist
Parents may arrange a routine check-up or seek advice after noticing a change in their child’s teeth, gums or behaviour.
Routine check-ups
Regular examinations help us monitor oral development and identify early signs of dental problems before they become more difficult to manage.
Toothache or sensitivity
Pain, sensitivity, disturbed sleep or avoiding food may indicate that a tooth needs to be examined.
Tooth decay
Decay may appear as a visible hole, a dark or pale area on a tooth, sensitivity or discomfort.
Some decay can only be confirmed during a dental assessment.
Broken or damaged teeth
Falls, sports and accidents can chip, loosen or displace a baby or adult tooth. Prompt assessment can help determine what care is needed.
Delayed or unusual eruption
Children develop at different rates, but parents may seek advice when a tooth appears unusually late, in an unexpected position or causes persistent discomfort.
Bite or alignment concerns
We can monitor how the teeth and jaws are developing and advise whether further assessment may be appropriate as the child grows.
Why baby teeth are important
Baby teeth are temporary, but they still play an important role. They help children chew, speak and smile, and they help maintain space for the adult teeth developing underneath.
Decay or infection in a baby tooth can cause pain and may affect eating, sleeping and general wellbeing.
For this reason, problems affecting baby teeth should be assessed rather than ignored because the tooth will eventually fall out.
How to look after children’s teeth
Parents and carers play the main role in protecting children’s teeth. The advice below provides a useful general guide, although the dentist may make individual recommendations based on the child’s needs.
Begin brushing early
Start brushing as soon as the first baby tooth appears. Brush twice each day, including last thing before bed.
Use a small smear
Use a small smear of age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste. An adult should carry out or closely supervise brushing.
Use a pea-sized amount
Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Encourage the child to spit out excess toothpaste without rinsing with water.
Continue helping with brushing
Young children usually need adult help to reach every surface of every tooth.
Continue supervising until they can brush thoroughly and reliably on their own.
Limit frequent sugar
The frequency of sugary foods and drinks matters.
Keeping them to mealtimes and choosing water between meals can help reduce repeated acid attacks on the teeth.
What should I do if my child damages a tooth?
Contact a dentist promptly if your child chips, loosens or knocks out a tooth, or if there is bleeding, swelling or significant pain following an accident.
A permanent tooth that has been completely knocked out is a dental emergency.
Hold it by the crown rather than the root, do not scrub it, and seek immediate professional advice.
Visit our emergency dentist in Gibraltar page for further information.
Children’s dentistry FAQs
When should my child first visit the dentist?
It is helpful to arrange the first visit when the first teeth appear and, ideally, by the child’s first birthday.
Early visits help children become familiar with the clinic and allow parents to receive preventive advice.
What if my child is nervous?
Nervousness is normal, especially during a first appointment.
We adapt the visit to the child’s confidence and do not expect every young child to manage a complete examination immediately.
Do cavities in baby teeth need treatment?
Baby teeth can still develop painful decay or infection.
Treatment depends on the tooth, the extent of the problem and the child’s age. The dentist will explain the appropriate options following an examination.
When should I start using fluoride toothpaste?
Begin using an age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears.
Use only a smear for children under three and a pea-sized amount for children aged three to six.
How often should children brush their teeth?
Children should brush twice a day, including last thing before bed.
Young children need help or close supervision to ensure all surfaces are cleaned properly.
What should I do if an adult tooth is knocked out?
Contact a dentist immediately.
Hold the tooth by the crown rather than the root and do not scrub it. Follow the dental team’s instructions about storing or transporting the tooth.
Arrange a dental visit for your child
Whether you are arranging a first check-up or are concerned about toothache, decay, dental development or an injury, contact Tafur Dental Clinic Gibraltar to request an appointment.