By Stephanie Foden, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – With many kids going back to school this week across Rio, it is a good time to think about a dental check-up to start the semester on the right foot. While families are on break, especially with travel, some basic routines might be out of sync, including oral hygiene with the little ones.
The English-speaking dental clinic in Ipanema, Multi Oral specializes in pediatric dentistry treatement. The office, which opened in 2001 by Dr. Esther Klein and Dr. Carmen Mourão, has an innovative concept of combining specialists from various branches of dentistry – including orthodontics, cosmetic, endodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics – all in one location.
When it comes to young patients, “Regular checkups are always important: this is when we make sure that all is well with the teeth and also an occasion to reinforce good hygiene practices at home,” recommends Dr. Klein.
“As children under six years use toothpaste with no -or reduced -fluoride, it is very important to have a professional fluoride [treatment] done every six months to ensure their protection against decays.”
While taking a child for an oral examination, it might also be time to think about a preemptive orthodontic assessment. Changes in bite usually occur when permanent teeth grow, between the ages of six and twelve, so orthodontic treatment during the growth stage of youth helps ensure excellent results.
Still, it is no secret that for many children, a trip to the dentist can be intimidating. For this reason Multi Oral has created a child-friendly environment that caters to kids and young adults.
“We have a play area equipped with toys and electronic games so kids can be entertained while they wait for their exam. And with our specialized pediatric care, the dentist chair becomes an adventure, a search for good health,” said Dr. Klein.
“Our dental pediatrician, Dr. Ana Carolina Marques, is very gentile and patient. We have toys in the dental office to help create a friendly environment, and there is always a take-home souvenir for the young patient!”
In addition to regular checkups and preventative care, according to the Ministry of Health, the most accidents occur while children are on school holidays. It is certainly a stressful time for parents when injuries from bicycles, swimming pools, playgrounds and sports are more common.
Multi Oral often deals with these types of emergency situations as well. It can be even more stressful for foreign families uncomfortable with language barriers and a different healthcare system.
Multi Oral ensures they feel at home in the English speaking dental office offering the best possible treatment in their state-of-the-art facilities. “All our professionals, including our dental pediatrician are bilingual,” explains Dr. Klein. “I understand that it is important to be able to express oneself in one’s own language specially in an emergency situation.”
Multi Oral is located in the heart of Rio’s Zona Sul (South Zone) in Ipanema’s Rua Visconde de Pirajá 433, between the streets Garcia D’Avila and Maria Quitéria. The office is on the sixth floor of the Banco Itaú building and right before the square Praça Nossa Senhora da Paz. It opens from Monday to Friday, 8AM to 6PM.
* This is an Advertorial for Multi Oral.