PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY (PEDODONTICS)
WHAT ARE THE ERUPTION AND LOSS TYPES OF BABY TEETH?
Baby teeth usually erupt between 6 months and 3 years of age. Early and late eruptions can also occur. First, the front and lateral incisors erupt, followed by the first molars, then the canines, and finally the second molars. Some variations in this order are possible. There are a total of 20 baby teeth in the upper and lower jaws.
WHY ARE BABY TEETH IMPORTANT?
Baby teeth are primarily essential for nutrition. Each baby tooth is usually positioned under a permanent tooth, and the health of the baby tooth affects the permanent tooth. Baby teeth also act as space maintainers for the permanent teeth beneath them. Front teeth, in particular, are crucial for proper speech and are important for a child's appearance and psychological well-being.
WHEN AND HOW SHOULD TEETH BE BRUSHED?
Teeth should be brushed regularly starting from the eruption of the first milk tooth. Since the habit of spitting is not developed until the age of approximately 3, the use of fluoride toothpaste should be avoided. After this age, fluoride toothpaste (pea-sized) developed for children can be used until the age of approximately 6. At least until primary school age, children should brush their teeth under the supervision of their parents. Teeth should be brushed every morning after breakfast and before going to bed at night.
WHAT IS FLUORIDE APPLICATION?
Fluoride containing gels are applied to the child patient by the doctor. Thanks to this application, fluoride ions are added to the structure of the tooth, making the tooth more resistant to decay. Superficial application of fluoride is a more effective method than taking systemic fluoride pills. Fluoride gels should be applied to children with a high risk of decay 2-4 times a year.
WHAT IS FISSURE SEALANT APPLICATION?
By applying fissure sealant, the chewing surface of the tooth is covered with a filling material and it is made more difficult for decay-causing microorganisms to adhere to the tooth surface. These chewing surfaces are still prone to decay after fluoride application. Therefore, in addition to fluoride, fissure sealant application is required. This application is necessary for individuals prone to decay and teeth with deep fissures.
IN WHICH CASES IS GENERAL ANESTHESIA APPLIED?
General anesthesia is the process of performing treatments by completely putting the child to sleep. General anesthesia is applied to children or young people who need dental treatment and whose behaviors are not expected to improve in a short time, who do not comply with dental treatment in any way, who are fearful, physically resistant or cannot communicate. At the same time, children with physical, mental or medical disorders are also suitable for general anesthesia. It would be more appropriate for very young children with a large number of cavities and abscesses to be treated by sleeping. When the child wakes up, he/she will not remember the procedures performed and will not have developed a fear of the dentist.
WHEN SHOULD WE TAKE OUR CHILD TO THE DENTIST FOR THE FIRST TIME?
When your baby's first tooth appears, an initial check-up is necessary. During this check-up, early and late baby tooth eruption, tooth and soft tissue anomalies can be evaluated, help with teething difficulties and information about dental health is provided. It is also aimed to prevent baby bottle tooth decay. These routine visits allow your baby to get used to the dentist and be compliant when future treatment is needed.
