What is Pedodontics (Pediatric Dentistry)?
Pediatrics, or pediatric dentistry, is a branch of dentistry practiced to protect and improve the dental and oral health of children. Pediatric dentists monitor the healthy development of children's teeth and jaws, treat dental problems and take measures to maintain dental health. This field cares about the health and function of both baby teeth and permanent teeth. Pediatric dentistry helps children gain knowledge and habits about dental health and builds a foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
How is Treatment Applied in Pediatric Dentistry?
The pediatric dentistry process generally consists of the following steps:
- First Examination: Your child's dental health is evaluated. Your dentist will examine your child's oral and dental health and perform a detailed examination with necessary tests and x-rays. This examination is important to determine the health and development of the teeth and any potential problems.
- Dental Cleaning and Care: Teeth are cleaned and free of tartar and plaque. Your child is taught how to brush their teeth and how to maintain oral hygiene. This helps prevent cavities and other dental problems.
- Treatment and Preventive Care: If you have cavities or other dental problems, you will receive the necessary treatment. In addition, fluoride applications, dental sealants and other preventive measures are applied to prevent tooth decay. These are important steps to protect your child's dental health.
- Dental Development Monitoring: Your child's dental and jaw development is monitored regularly. The pediatric dentist identifies developmental problems and performs orthodontic assessments when necessary. This supports the proper development and alignment of the teeth.
- Education and Information: Your child will receive information about oral hygiene and healthy dental habits. Families are also provided with practical information on dental health and nutritional advice. This is important for your child to maintain their dental health in the long term.
What are the Benefits of Pediatric Dentistry Treatments?
Pediatric dentistry improves children's oral and dental health in many ways:
- Early Intervention: It ensures that dental and jaw problems are detected and treated at an early age, thus preventing bigger problems in the future.
- Healthy Development: It supports children's tooth and jaw development and ensures that the right teeth erupt at the right time.
- Habit Building: Teaches children dental care habits, thus promoting healthy oral hygiene and reducing future dental health problems
A child should usually start dental treatment when the first tooth erupts, at around 6 months of age. The first examination helps to monitor dental health and detect potential problems at an early age. This early start is important to protect the child's dental health.
There is usually no pain during root canal treatment because local anesthesia is applied. Some people may experience mild discomfort or tenderness after treatment, but this is usually short-lived and can be managed with painkillers.
Making a visit to the dentist fun and educational can reduce your child's fear. Also, giving them the opportunity to meet the dentist and explore the environment can help your child relax.
Tooth brushing should start as soon as the first tooth appears. For babies, it is recommended to use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste containing a small amount of fluoride.
