What is Pedodontics?
It is the branch of dentistry that deals with both milk and permanent teeth of children between the ages of 0 - 12.
What is the importance of milk teeth?
Caries in milk teeth, which are the guardians of permanent teeth, should not be neglected. Because in addition to providing chewing and speaking functions, milk teeth also guide the emergence of permanent teeth.
PEDODONTIS
0 - 3 years of age:
strong>Milk teeth start to appear at the age of 6 - 8 months and continue to appear until the age of three, when there are twenty teeth in total. Teeth cleaning should begin as soon as the first milk tooth emerges. During this period, parents have a great responsibility. The surface of the teeth should be cleaned with a piece of wet cloth, especially after feeding bottle food during sleep. Otherwise, situations that result in the loss of the front teeth, which we call bottle caries, may occur. As soon as the first milk tooth emerges, teeth should be brushed without paste. During this period, the use of fluoride gels should be started under the supervision of a doctor.
3 - 6 years of age:
In this period, it is necessary to prevent the formation of caries in children. Consumption of foods that increase weight is increasing. Tooth brushing should be done under the control of parents, and fluoride application and periodic checks should be started every six months under the supervision of a dentist. Periodic checks are very important in detecting conditions such as thumb sucking, nail biting, incorrect positioning of the tongue and mouth breathing. Early detection of such conditions prevents disorders that may occur in teeth and jaws.
6 - 12 years of age:
Permanent teeth begin to emerge. This period begins with the emergence of the first molars. The deep grooves and protrusions on the chewing surfaces of the first permanent teeth increase the susceptibility to caries as they cause food accumulation. Fissure sealants applied like nail polish should be applied to chewing surfaces to prevent the formation of caries.
Periodic fluoride applications should be continued to strengthen the mineral structure of the teeth and make them more resistant to caries.
It may occur due to any reason. If a milk tooth needs to be extracted, space maintainers should be made to prevent neighboring teeth from slipping into the extraction space. Especially after the age of seven, the condition of the teeth should be evaluated by an orthodontist.
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