Zahnheilkunde
Paediatric dentistry in Basel
Dentistry for children and adolescents at the Barfi
Our goal is to offer children and their parents comprehensive advice and care in all areas of paediatric and adolescent dentistry.
In our child-oriented practice, we strive to make the visit a positive experience for children. We use playful and visual elements, introducing the topic of dental health through the Lion-Tooth and his friends. The entire practice is geared to the needs of children, from the colourful and cheerful waiting areas to the treatment rooms.
Our team consists of specially trained staff who specialise in caring for children. We use educational material specifically tailored to the children's age to make it easier for them to access topics relating to dental health.
Prophylaxis begins with children
Prophylaxis begins as soon as the first milk teeth erupt in children. At this point, advice is essential. The topics include:
- Nutrition
- Dental hygiene
- Habits such as thumb sucking
- Developmental phases of the teeth
- Regular check-ups and treatment steps
Nutrition
The main causes of caries are sugary drinks, a carbohydrate-rich diet, prolonged sucking on the bottle and inadequate oral hygiene. That is why we have specially developed educational material for every age to address these topics.
Book an appointment
Book your appointment conveniently online, call us or send us an e-mail. We look forward to your visit in Basel!
Brushing teeth
Since parents are the role models for their children, we involve the parents and initially recommend brushing teeth together. Child- and age-appropriate brushing utensils and toothpaste can also have the desired motivating effect.
Teeth should be cleaned after every main meal and additionally after every sugary snack, but at least twice a day.
The first visit to the dentist
It is important to radiate confidence and calm in order to give your child a positive feeling. They should recognise that a visit to the dentist is something normal and useful.
Avoid negative wording such as "it won't hurt" or "you don't need to be afraid", as such phrases can cause fear and mistrust in your child. Also avoid anxiety-inducing words such as "injection" or "drill".
Tips for adults: it may be helpful to read your child a book about the first visit to the dentist or to look at the positive pictures on our website. Of course, the favourite cuddly toy is also welcome to come along to the appointment.
For our treatment instruments, we use terms that the child knows and that have positive associations. So we do not speak of an "injection" but of "sleep beads or glitter beads", the drill becomes the "electric toothbrush" or the "magic wand", and the lamp becomes the "sun". With us, the teeth are "put to sleep", "brushed", "showered" and "creamed".
Anaesthesia
Painless anaesthesia: by applying a numbing ointment to the surface and using a computer-assisted, controlled anaesthesia technique (the "magic wand"), we can ensure painless anaesthesia.
Treatment under nitrous oxide: nitrous oxide can also be used to support dental treatments. It has a calming effect and reduces the sensation of pain. After treatment with nitrous oxide, only minor physical impairments are to be expected. Nevertheless, we recommend that you refrain from driving in the following hours.
Treatment under general anaesthesia: general anaesthesia is indicated for larger or lengthy procedures, for very anxious children or children with mental disabilities. An anaesthesia team experienced with children takes care of the information and the well-being of your child.
Book an appointment
Book your appointment conveniently online, call us or send us an e-mail. We look forward to your visit in Basel!
X-rays
We use modern X-ray equipment with low radiation exposure. These make it possible to view areas such as the bone, the area under the enamel and the spaces between the teeth, which are not accessible to the naked eye.
X-ray technology is used to detect caries at an early stage, especially when caries between the teeth is suspected.
For children aged 7 to 9, we recommend the first small X-rays. If the dentition is free of caries and there are no signs of increased susceptibility to caries, it is sufficient to take the next X-rays of the permanent dentition at the age of 11 to 13.
In addition to the small X-rays for caries diagnosis, an overview image (orthopantomography/OPT) can also be taken to assess the development of the dentition and the position of the teeth.
Dental trauma
It can happen that teeth break off, are chipped, displaced or even knocked out as a result of an accident. If a concussion is suspected (dizziness, vomiting, unequally sized pupils), please contact your family doctor immediately or get in touch with the hospital. Every dental trauma should be reported to the dentist and the insurance company. Even minor injuries can lead to late consequences.
What to do?
- Report every dental trauma to the dentist immediately.
- Explain what, when, how and where it happened.
- State the age of the person / child affected.
- Are milk teeth or permanent teeth affected?
- Even minor accidents can lead to complications.
- Correct behaviour is crucial.
