Pedodontics literally means “PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY” and is mainly involved in the examination and monitoring of oral health of children. This branch of dentistry also deals with preventive oral health.

Pedodontsit engaged in pediatric dental treatments and preventive dentistry applications; is a specialist dentist with specific training in child psychology, growth and development. Pediatric dentists play a role in resolving dental and oral problems from infancy to adulthood, in other words from the period of permanent teeth.

Pedodontists are also dentists who perform dental treatments for people with disabilities at any age.

 What are the precautions for tooth decay in children?

The first process to prevent tooth decay is to have good oral hygiene. To this end, the teeth should be brushed at least 3 times a day for 2 minutes. Dental floss and mouthwashes can only be used after the age of 5 according to the advice of the dentist. One of the proven methods for the prevention of dental caries is “fluoride” applications.

When should the first visit to the dentist be?
At the first examination, medical and dental history of the baby is listened. The oral examination is performed on the first visit of the patient and the patient's susceptibility to dental caries is evaluated. Development, need for fluoride, habituation other than normal nutrition (bottle, pacifier, etc.) protection from trauma; The patient is directed according to the effects of oral hygiene and eating habits on the teeth. The first visit to the pediatric dentist or dentist is important for obtaining information that may be useful for the baby throughout life.

Teeth cleaning should start in infancy after the eruption of first teeth. Teeth should be cleaned using a sterile gauze or finger brushes made of silicone after breakfast in the morning and before going to sleep at night.

Ordinary tooth brushing should begin when the child is at the age of two or two and a half. Tooth brushing should start with fluoride-containing toothpaste after 5 years of age, applying just a tiny smear of toothpaste onto the brush. Cleaning the teeth only with water will be sufficient until this age.
The critical time of teeth brushing is night-time before going to sleep. Because saliva is secreted less during the night, this prepares the grounds for dental caries to develop readily.

Fluoride-containing gels applied by your dentist will protect the tooth enamel against developing caries.

Regular administration of fluoride tablets is beneficial between 0-12 years of age.

Dosage:

6 months-3 years: > 0.25 mg/day

3-6 years: > 0.50 mg/day

6-16 years: > 1 mg/day

Tablets are initially given by adding them to milk. With growing age, taking the tablets by sucking in the mouth will enhance their protective effect.

Dental sealants covering the pits and grooves on the surface of teeth prevent the development of dental caries.

Studies have demonstrated that the sealants stay on the surface of teeth for 10-15 years when applied appropriately.
The sealants can be transparent, in the same colour as the enamel or they may be coloured.

Families need to take their children to a specialist when the children have good oral health so that these preventive measures will be taken before the development of dental caries.