Paediatric dentistry

Our paediatric dental teams care for children's teeth from the first tooth onwards, at clinics in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. We pair routine prevention with treatment for common problems such as decay and injuries, and we support anxious children and those with additional needs. Our focus is on preventing trouble and keeping visits calm as children grow.

What is paediatric dentistry?

Paediatric dentistry looks after children's teeth and gums from the first tooth through the teenage years. It combines prevention, such as fluoride, sealants, dental prophylaxis and sports guards, with treatment for decay, injuries, and other problems. Paediatric dentists also watch how teeth and jaws develop and may guide them using functional appliances. An essential part of their work is checking, monitoring and building good habits over time, as well as helping to break habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting using appliances. General dentists treat patients of all ages; when teeth need straightening, this becomes the work of an orthodontist.

When should you see a paediatric dentist?

Book an appointment if your child has:

• Toothache, or pain when eating or drinking
• A hole, or a white or brown mark on a tooth
• Sore or bleeding gums
• A tooth knocked loose, chipped or broken in a fall
• Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
• A thumb-sucking or dummy habit that is changing the teeth

If an adult tooth is knocked out, or your child has a serious mouth or face injury, this is a dental emergency: seek urgent care immediately.

Your child doesn't need a dental problem to see a paediatric dentist. The first visit is usually by their first birthday, or when the first tooth comes through, and routine check-ups after that help catch decay early and keep the dentist a familiar face.

What to expect

At a first visit, the dentist checks your child's whole mouth, including their teeth, gums, bite, soft tissues, jaw joints (TMJ), palate and jaws, then talks with you about day-to-day care at home. For a young child, much of the appointment is about getting comfortable in the chair, so it stays gentle and unhurried. The dentist may show your child how to brush and look after new teeth, and take an X-ray where needed. If your child has an urgent dental problem, the first appointment may be different and will focus on addressing the immediate concern.

Treatment depends on what the dentist finds. Many visits focus on prevention, with fluoride varnish or sealants to protect against decay. Where a tooth needs repair, options range from a filling to a small crown on a baby tooth. For young or anxious children, the dentist will usually try behaviour management techniques first. Where needed, treatment may be carried out with sedation or, occasionally, under general anaesthetic. Your child's dentist will explain the options and agree the next step with you.

Paediatric dentistry at Mediclinic

We provide children's dental care at clinics across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, covering routine check-ups, preventive treatments and repairs when a tooth is damaged or decayed. Early visits focus on prevention and on helping you look after your child's teeth at home. For children who feel anxious, our paediatric dentists work at the child's own pace, in small steps.

We also care for children with additional needs and those with more complex conditions, such as dental injuries or missing teeth. When a child's care involves more than the teeth, our dentists work alongside other specialists across our hospitals.