When should my baby see a dentist?
Your child should make his first visit to the pediatric dentist when his first teeth begin to erupt, which corresponds to an average of 6 months to 1 year of age. This visit takes place in a clinical setting suitable for your child. Early evaluation and preventive care will preserve your child's healthy and natural smile.
Why so early? What kind of dental problems might my child have?
The most important thing is to start programs to protect teeth. Dental problems can start early. The biggest concern is Early Childhood Caries, also known as “Bottle Caries”. In addition, children's diet includes things other than breast milk (foods and drinks that can cause cavities), and their teeth are also prone to cavities when they first begin to erupt. For these reasons, an early follow-up examination is the most important chance to prevent dental problems. Children with healthy teeth can eat food with pleasure and smile confidently. Now let's start teaching your child oral health habits that he will use throughout his life.
How can I prevent bottle tooth decay in my child?
Breastfeeding should be stopped between 20-24 months. and other complementary foods (like adults) should be continued. Children should not fall asleep with bottles in their mouth. There should be only pure milk in the bottles, no sweeteners (sugar, honey, molasses, etc.). Juice, cola, etc. from baby bottles. Giving liquids should be avoided. Fruit juices or similar should only be given in a glass at mealtimes, and the mouth should be rinsed with at least water immediately after giving. The use of the bottle should be stopped between 12 and 14 months at the latest.
Should I be worried about my child's thumb sucking?
Finger sucking is a very normal condition in newborns and is usually a very normal condition after 2 months. It passes spontaneously with age. Prolonged thumb sucking causes crooked teeth and closing problems. If this habit persists after age 3, a professional evaluation is recommended. Your pediatric dentist will be happy to provide you with information about solutions to this habit.
When should I start cleaning my baby's teeth?
With birth, the child's gums should be cleaned with soft toothbrushes, clean gauze or water. Immediately after the first teeth begin to appear in the mouth, they should be brushed twice a day with age-appropriate toothpaste and toothbrush.
Children under two years of age should be brushed directly by the family or with the help of the family, by applying toothpaste superficially to the toothbrush. For children between the ages of 2-5, the amount of paste applied to the toothbrush should be smaller than a pea (e.g. lentil) and teeth should be brushed in the presence of the family. It should not be forgotten that since children's manipulation skills are not fully developed, they cannot brush effectively until a certain age.
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