PEDODONTICS PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Pedodontics, or pediatric dentistry, is the branch of dentistry that deals with children’s teeth from birth to adulthood.

It is recommended to take children to the dentist regularly every six months from 1 year. In this way, any problem that may arise is diagnosed and solved early, before it progresses, and the dentist is no longer associated with fear in a child’s eyes.

The first dental visit is usually short, and only very minor treatments are performed if necessary. If possible, the only examination is performed. This ensures that children meet the dentists in a comfortable environment. Families may be asked to be with their children, but they may also be asked to wait outside so that the relationship between the child and the dentist is not compromised.

Child Dental Checkups

When children are examined, it is checked whether there are teeth in the mouth that should be present according to their age, whether there are caries, the ratio of the lower and upper jaws, and how healthy the gums are. If necessary, a dental cleaning may be recommended, and the requirement for fluoride is assessed. Families are informed about the oral care that their children should have. It is checked to see if children have bad habits such as finger or lip sucking or pushing their front teeth with their tongues.

Children’s Tooth Brushing

In general, tooth cleaning should begin from the 6th month of life, when the temporary teeth erupt. During this time, families should wipe the milk and other food residues accumulated on the teeth with a damp disposable spanch. It would be best to start doing this cleaning after every feeding, at least in the evening.

Once they can hold the brush, they are encouraged to brush with a child-sized toothbrush. It is crucial for children to be there while their families brush their teeth to raise awareness of tooth brushing. Because children cannot brush their teeth effectively until they are 6 to 8 years old, families must supervise their children to brush their teeth and brush their children’s teeth as needed.