What is Pediatric Dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry is the field of dentistry that deals with the oral and dental health of children between the ages of 0-12. Pediatric dentist specialists are called pedodontists. Children's teeth can be treated by dentists and refer them to a pedodontist in a situation that requires expertise. The approach is very important in order not to create fear of dentistry in children. It is important to treat problems such as caries, trauma and tooth deficiency in children from infancy.

It is recommended that children visit the dentist frequently with their parents. Children who come to the dental clinic with their parents will get used to the environment and the sounds, so the fear of the dentist will decrease.

The development and eruption of teeth differ in each child, depending on the development of the child. When your baby is about 6 months old, the first milk tooth begins to erupt, starting with the lower and upper front teeth. It completes the eruption of 20 deciduous teeth at the age of about 30 months.The first permanent teeth usually begin to erupt from the lower front teeth around the age of 6. Then the upper front permanent teeth erupt. All permanent teeth, except wisdom teeth, are completed by the age of 12-14.

How often sugary or acidic foods and drinks are consumed in children has a direct effect on tooth decay. Consuming these foods with meals, not in between, reduces the possibility of decay. Try to consume cheese, vegetables and fruits as snacks. Prefer for water or milk instead of juice. Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste before going to sleep at night and at least once in the morning will help prevent tooth decay.

Preventive applications can be made by the dentist to prevent tooth decay in children. Applying fluorinated varnish to children's teeth or applying pit and fissure sealants will reduce the chance of tooth decay. Regular visits to the dentist will ensure early treatment of cavities, preventing longer procedures and avoiding fear in your child.

What to do if the child has a fear of the dentist?

Children may feel fear in their parents, so it's important not to let your child feel that there is something to worry about at the dentist visit. If your child needs any dental treatment, try to be supportive. If you have your own fears about going to the dentist, don't let your child hear you talk about them.Regular visits to the dentist are essential to help your child get used to the environment and what's going on there.

A child's first visit to the dental clinic can be even more worrisome. It is important to familiarize your child with the environment before the first treatment.

Despite all these, if the child still has fear and cannot have the necessary dental treatments, sedation or general anesthesia is applied. Click here for detailed information about them.