Pediatric dentistry, or pedodontics, is the study of oral and dental health from the birth of an individual until the end of adolescence.
Pediatric dentistry specializes in the protection, development, and treatment of children’s oral and dental health. At the same time, the importance of proper communication with people in this age group is recognized. The aim is to focus on the special needs of children regarding their dental health and to provide each of them with healthy smiles. Therefore, parents need to be knowledgeable not only about the problems and treatments but also about the approaches.
What are the Common Dental Diseases in Children?
The paediatric dentist addresses a range of issues related to the oral and dental health of their patients in this age group. Some of these are more common. Common conditions are listed below:
- Tooth decay
- Early loss of milk tooth
- Gum problems
- Tooth grinding (Bruxism)
Tooth decay in children occurs when proper oral hygiene is not observed. It is a common condition. Excessive consumption of sugary foods can increase the risk of decay. Problems such as swelling, redness, and bleeding of the gums in adults can also be seen in children. This situation is also mostly related to the lack of tooth brushing habits.
Teeth grinding in children is a problem that usually occurs during sleep. Pediatric dentists apply special treatment methods to control this condition and prevent it from damaging the teeth. For example, a parent may be concerned if a 5-year-old child grinds his/her teeth while sleeping. However, with a treatment process followed by a specialist pedodontist, this problem can be solved before it grows further.
What are the Treatments within the Scope of Pediatric Dentistry?
Pediatric dentistry also covers general oral and dental health measures. Accordingly, children’s dentist takes some measures to protect the oral and dental health of the young individual. The first of these is fluorine applications.
Fluorine is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and prevents the formation of caries. The pedodontist protects the teeth of his little patient with regular fluoride applications.
On the other hand, parents need to take their children to the dentist regularly for early detection of possible problems. During this period, families are often concerned about issues such as how to overcome the fear of dentists. While these routine checks play a critical role in protecting children’s dental health, they are also important in overcoming their fears.
Many parents worry about how to relieve a child’s toothache. There are effective treatments for toothache in children. If the decay has progressed and reached the nerve, the specialist can perform pediatric root canal treatment. In some cases, decayed teeth may need to be extracted.
The dental pediatric specialist performs this procedure in a child-friendly and painless manner. In addition, technological advances in the field of pediatric dentistry have made treatment processes more comfortable and effective.
How Should the Child Be Approached in Dentistry?
The first visit to the pediatric dentist should usually start after the milk teeth erupt. This allows the child’s oral and dental health to be monitored at an early stage and habits to be shaped positively.
As mentioned above, fear of dentistry is quite common in this age group. To prevent this, specialists adopt a warm and reliable approach to children. In some clinics, game rooms, colorful decorations, and special equipment help them develop a positive attitude toward the dentist for children.
How to Teach Children Oral and Dental Health Protection Habits?
Giving kids the habit of brushing their teeth at an early age is a fundamental step to be taken for oral and dental health on their behalf. It is possible to gain these habits easily with some methods. Colorful toothbrushes with themes that can attract the attention of children can make the tooth-brushing process enjoyable for the little ones.
In addition, children who acquire the habit of brushing their teeth can be rewarded with a reward system. This can increase their motivation. In addition, giving them healthy eating habits positively affects dental health. This issue can be neglected by many parents.
Limited consumption of sugary and acidic drinks helps to reduce dental caries in children. Thus, queries such as what is good for the toothache of a 6-year-old child in the digital environment lose their importance over time.
How Should Parental Acts Be In Children’s Dentistry?
Oral and dental health in kids requires contributions not only from professionals but also from parents. Parents should assume certain responsibilities to protect children’s dental health and help them develop positive habits. These responsibilities, in cooperation with dentists, support kids to have a healthy oral structure.
Performing the habits that a child is expected not to do frequently in front of him/her may negatively affect the process. Early detection and treatment of dental diseases in children is essential for healthy dental development. Moms and dads can ensure that their kids have a healthy smile by taking them to a pedodontist regularly. If you are looking for help with popular issues such as children’s emergency dentist, 2 year old teeth, 3 year old teeth, and dentist for 2 years old, you can contact Istanbul Dental Center.
When do the child's milk teeth fall out?
The first deciduous tooth erupts around the 6th month and the first permanent tooth erupts at the age of 6. Milk teeth fall out at different times until the age of 10-11 and are replaced by permanent teeth.
Is tooth decay contagious?
According to research, tooth decay is a disease that can be transmitted from mother to child. After close contact with the child’s mother or carer, it may be possible to transmit the caries-causing bacteria in their mouths to themselves.
What to do with an abscessed tooth in children?
The abscess in the tooth in the child is cleaned without frightening him/her. At the age of 6 and above, it is usually treated with antibiotics.