Pediatric Dentistry (Pedodontics)
A common misconception in society is that primary (baby) teeth are temporary and do not need proper brushing. This belief is completely wrong. Primary teeth play a crucial role in a child’s nutrition, as well as in the growth and development of the jaw.
Primary teeth also guide the eruption of permanent teeth. Early loss of these teeth can lead to significant orthodontic problems later in life, such as crowding or impaction of permanent teeth within the jawbone.
The eruption of primary teeth begins around the 6th month and is completed by age 3. The replacement of these teeth by permanent teeth continues until around age 12. Therefore, preserving these teeth is very important for your child’s oral health. Early loss of primary teeth can also be the main cause of aesthetic problems during adolescence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Even if your child brushes their teeth daily, they may not be able to reach all the grooves and pits on the tooth surfaces. Food debris and bacteria can settle in these areas, increasing the risk of cavities.
With a fissure sealant, a flowable filling material is used to cover the deepest points of the tooth surfaces that brushing cannot reach, preventing food particles and bacteria from adhering.
Fluoride treatments, the most effective preventive dentistry method, can be applied to children prone to cavities. The frequency and dosage of these applications are determined according to the child’s age and risk of decay.
In cases of early primary tooth loss, space maintainers are used to prevent loss of space for the permanent teeth, which is another important preventive dentistry procedure for children.