PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Pediatric Dentistry in Ibi

We take care of your children’s dental health from the moment their first teeth come in. At Hernández & Espuelas, we make sure that a visit to the dentist is a positive experience for the little ones, with a child-friendly environment, a warm and welcoming approach, and all the patience in the world.

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What is pediatric dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry is the dental specialty dedicated exclusively to the oral health of children and adolescents, from the eruption of the first baby teeth through to the permanent adult dentition. It’s not simply a matter of doing the same thing as with adults, just on a smaller scale: children have completely different needs, fears, and developmental stages that require a specific approach and a great deal of patience.

At our clinic in Ibi, we treat children from a very young age with preventive checkups, personalized treatments, and, above all, an approach that makes them feel comfortable and safe in the dental chair. Building a good relationship with the dentist during childhood is the best investment in lifelong oral health.

Prevention from the Start

Most dental problems in adults originate in childhood. Regular checkups starting at a young age can detect and prevent these problems before they become serious.

Child-friendly environment

We follow a specific protocol to ensure that the child feels safe and that the visit is a positive experience from day one.

Early detection

We identify bite problems, spacing issues, or harmful habits early on; when treated at the right time, these issues can be resolved much more easily and affordably.

Pediatric Dental Treatments

In pediatric dentistry, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment; we tailor each visit to the age, needs, and dental condition of each child. The most common treatments we perform at our clinic in Ibi.

Preventive Checkups and Cavity Monitoring

The foundation of everything. At each checkup, we examine the child’s mouth, assess their dental development, detect cavities in their early stages, and reinforce good oral hygiene habits. With regular checkups, the vast majority of problems can be prevented before treatment is needed.

Crack Sealants

Molars have grooves and fissures where food particles accumulate, making them prone to cavities. Sealants are a material that is painlessly applied to these fissures to protect them. It is one of the most effective preventive treatments for children.

Professional Fluoridation

In-office fluoride treatment strengthens enamel and makes it more resistant to the bacteria that cause cavities. It is a quick, painless treatment and is especially recommended for children at higher risk of cavities or with poorly mineralized enamel.

Interceptive Orthodontics

We detect problems with bite alignment, crowding, or habits such as mouth breathing or prolonged pacifier use early on. When action is taken at the right time (between the ages of 6 and 10), many orthodontic treatments for adults can be simplified or even avoided.

To take home

Tips for Taking Care of Your Children’s Teeth at Home

Visiting the clinic is important, but what happens at home every day makes all the difference. Here are the tips we give parents at our clinic in Ibi to help ensure your children’s dental health starts at home.

Start brushing from the first tooth

As soon as the first baby tooth appears—usually between 6 and 12 months—it’s time to start brushing. Use a silicone finger toothbrush or a soft children’s toothbrush with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. The sooner you establish the habit, the easier it is to maintain.

Use the right amount of fluoride toothpaste

Up to age 3, use an amount the size of a grain of rice. From ages 3 to 6, use an amount the size of a pea. Starting at age 6, children can use adult toothpaste in normal amounts. Fluoride is essential for strengthening enamel, but too much of it can stain teeth.

Supervise their toothbrushing until they are 8–10 years old

Children don’t have the motor skills needed to brush their teeth properly until they’re 8 or 10 years old. Even if they want to do it on their own before then, always go over it with them afterward. Here’s a good tip: let them start, and you finish.

Cut back on sugar between meals

Tooth decay isn’t caused by sugar itself, but by how often the teeth are exposed to it. A glass of juice at snack time is less harmful than sipping juice all afternoon. Limit sugary snacks between meals and choose water instead.

Watch out for harmful habits

Prolonged use of a pacifier beyond the age of 2–3 years, thumb-sucking, or habitual mouth breathing can affect jaw development and bite alignment. If you notice any of these habits in your child, please let us know at your next visit.

What to Do If Your Child Hits a Tooth

If the impact knocks a tooth loose, fractures it, or dislodges it—whether it’s a baby tooth or a permanent tooth—call us that same day. With permanent teeth, a quick response is critical. If the tooth comes out of the mouth intact, keep it in milk or saline solution and come to the dental emergency room immediately.

Dr. Marita Ruiz

Who performs treatments for children?

With children, attitude is everything. It’s not just about knowing how to perform the treatment properly; it’s about making the child want to come back.

I am Dr. Marita Ruiz, a pediatric dentist at the Hernández & Espuelas Dental Clinic in Ibi. I earned my degree in Dentistry from the European University of Madrid and specialized in pediatric dentistry at San Rafael Hospital in Madrid, later completing an Official Master’s Degree in Integrated Dentistry from Rey Juan Carlos University. I have been working exclusively with children and adolescents for over 15 years, and I am an active member of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Dentistry (SEOP), where I have presented papers at national conferences. I also have specialized training in in-office sedation for cases where a child needs extra support to remain calm during treatment. My goal at every visit is always the same: for the child to leave with a positive experience and to feel no fear about returning next time.

Testimonials

What do our patients say?

At Hernández & Espuelas, every patient has a different story, but they all have one thing in common: they came in with a question or a problem and left with a solution. Here’s what they’ve told us.

★★★★★

My son is 7 years old, and he’s been terrified of dentists since he was little. The first time we came here, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but honestly, we were pleasantly surprised. They showed him everything without rushing him, talked with him the whole time, and by the end of the visit, he left so happy. Now, when I tell him it’s time to go to the dentist, he doesn’t make a fuss at all. For me, that alone makes it all worth it.

Carlos M.

★★★★★

We’ve been taking our two children there since they were 4 and 6 years old. What I appreciate most is that they always explain everything clearly to us (the condition of their teeth, what needs to be done, and why…). They never do anything without consulting us first. They put sealants on our oldest son’s teeth a few months ago, and he didn’t even notice. They’re true professionals, and we really appreciate the way they treat the kids.

Roberto A.

★★★★★

My daughter had a cavity in one of her baby teeth, and at another clinic they told us we had to wait for it to fall out on its own. Here, they explained why it was important to treat it, and they did so without her crying or getting scared. She’s 5 years old, and she came out saying the dentist was very nice. You couldn’t ask for more.

Marta F.

How do we do it?

Here’s What Your Child’s First Visit Is Like

We know that a first visit to the dentist can raise questions—for both children and parents. That’s why we’re telling you exactly how we handle it to ensure it’s a positive experience from the very beginning.

Let’s Get to Know the Child

The first visit is an introductory one. We let the child explore the clinic at their own pace, look at the instruments, and get used to the environment without any pressure. The goal is for them to leave with a positive experience.

Comprehensive Review

We calmly examine the child’s mouth, assess the condition of their teeth and gums, evaluate the development of their bite, and check for any habits that might affect their teeth. We explain everything in a way they can understand so they know what we’re doing.

Explanation for Parents

We’ll tell you about your child’s dental health, whether there’s anything that needs treatment, and how to go about it. We’ll also provide guidance on oral hygiene at home, nutrition, and habits appropriate for their age. No technical jargon—just as clearly as possible.

Treatment, if necessary

If any treatment is needed—such as sealants, fluoride treatment, or fillings—we plan it according to the time and pace each child needs. We never force or rush anything. The child’s comfort always comes first.

Periodic Reviews

A checkup every 6 months is enough to keep your child’s dental health under control. Over time, these visits become a natural and fear-free part of life. That has been our goal from day one.

Do you have any questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dentistry

At what age should I take my child to the dentist for the first time?

Ideally, this should begin in the child’s first year of life or when the first baby tooth appears. That first visit does not involve any treatment—it is meant to help the child become familiar with the clinic and to provide parents with guidance on oral hygiene and habits from the very beginning.

Are baby teeth also treated if they have cavities?

Yes. Baby teeth are important for chewing, speaking, and, above all, for holding the space for permanent teeth. A cavity in a baby tooth that is not treated properly can become infected and affect the permanent tooth underneath.

What are fissure sealants, and when are they applied?

These are a type of material applied to the grooves of the molars to protect them from cavities. It is recommended to have them applied when the first permanent molars erupt, usually between the ages of 6 and 8. It is a quick, painless, and very effective treatment.

At what age can a child start orthodontic treatment?

The first orthodontic evaluation is recommended between the ages of 7 and 9, once the first permanent teeth have erupted. In some cases, interceptive treatment can be used to correct problems before they become more complicated, thereby simplifying or avoiding longer treatments during adolescence.

How can I prepare my child for their first visit to the dentist?

The most important thing is to talk about the dentist in a positive and natural way, without using words like “pain” or “fear.” At our clinic, we take care of the rest—we have a specific protocol to ensure that the first visit is a calm and stress-free experience.

Is fluoride necessary for children?

Professional in-office fluoridation strengthens enamel and significantly reduces the risk of cavities. We recommend it on a regular basis for children, especially those who are more prone to cavities or have poorly mineralized enamel.

What should I do if my child breaks a tooth or a tooth becomes loose after getting hit?

Call us as soon as possible. Dental trauma in children requires prompt attention—in some cases, it may be necessary to reimplant the tooth or protect it. The response time is critical to the prognosis.

Up to what age do pediatric dentists treat patients?

Generally until the age of 16–18, when the permanent dentition is complete and the patient transitions to adult dentistry. Throughout adolescence, we continue to monitor dental development and coordinate with the orthodontist as needed.

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