Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentistry is a speciality within dentistry which is focused on the oral and dental health of babies, kids, and young teenagers from their birth to the completion of the eruption of permanent teeth.
The first aim of paediatric dentistry is to treat the occurring health issues, while the other is to prevent them from happening by finding the source of the problem, with the latter procedures known as preventive dentistry. Protective dentistry includes regulating the eating habits and correcting the wrong ones, education regarding oral and dental hygiene, dental procedures such as local fluoride varnish and fissure sealants, and regular visits to the dentist for minimum 6 months period.
Teeth examination at the age of 1
Children’s first dental examinations should be conducted at the age of 1.
The first steps towards dental health should be done in childhood. Preventive measures and medical examination are important during the first teething period since they function as a kind of guides for permanent teeth to come in their place. Additionally, in childhood, newly erupted permanent teeth should be protected. In order to become healthy individuals, the dental health of children should be cared for and protected.
Oral and dental care in babies;
As soon as the child’s teeth erupt, you should start cleaning them. In order to do so, choose gauze or a soft toothbrush. It is important to clean with them the teeth and gums after breastfeeding. In the same time, if you choose the toothbrush, you can keep it in warm water for a couple of minutes to make it even softer.Pediatric dentistry FAQ
What are the signs of teething?
What are the signs of teething?
Sleep disruption, moodiness, and restlessness
Putting in mouth everything taken in hands
Minor blisters around the mouth
Disturbances in eating habits
Increased drooling
Fever
Sleep disruption, moodiness, and restlessness
Putting in mouth everything taken in hands
Minor blisters around the mouth
Disturbances in eating habits
Increased drooling
Fever
How can we decrease the problems arising with teething?
After washing your hands, you can proceed to massage with your fingers the irritated gums. You can also decide to use gauze. Try to not put too much pressure to not cause damage to the gums. By putting a carrot into the fruit feeder you can decrease the baby’s itching and provide it with carrot juice.
Special cooling pacifiers filled with liquid may be a good solution in this period.
A number of medications in the form of gels or pomades may be suggested for children undergoing teething. Such a solution brings a short-term relief.
If the restlessness and sleep distortions become a major issue you can use a paracetamol-based painkiller after consultation with a paediatrician. In some children, a fever and flu-like symptoms may appear. In such situations, it is better to call your paediatrician.
Special cooling pacifiers filled with liquid may be a good solution in this period.
A number of medications in the form of gels or pomades may be suggested for children undergoing teething. Such a solution brings a short-term relief.
If the restlessness and sleep distortions become a major issue you can use a paracetamol-based painkiller after consultation with a paediatrician. In some children, a fever and flu-like symptoms may appear. In such situations, it is better to call your paediatrician.
When is the baby teeth eruption complete?
Already at childbirth, nearly all the deciduous teeth are developed even if hidden under the gums. In general, these teeth start to erupt or at least start being partially visible around the 6th month of life.
The time of eruption of the first tooth may vary from child to child. Generally, the first teeth to come in are the lower front teeth. Following them are four upper front teeth accompanied by two more lower teeth.
Afterwards, deciduous teeth start to slowly appear in the same time on both sides of the jaw. Your baby in its 24th month should have 20 deciduous teeth in its mouth.
The time of eruption of the first tooth may vary from child to child. Generally, the first teeth to come in are the lower front teeth. Following them are four upper front teeth accompanied by two more lower teeth.
Afterwards, deciduous teeth start to slowly appear in the same time on both sides of the jaw. Your baby in its 24th month should have 20 deciduous teeth in its mouth.
Which babies run a bigger risk of having cavities: those eating baby formula or those drinking breastmilk?
Baby formula, compared to breastmilk, causes more cavities to appear. Therefore, it requires more attention to dental care if the baby has already teeth.
What does baby bottle tooth decay mean?
Baby bottle tooth decay is a cavity type, which starts in upper front teeth of the baby and quickly spreads to other teeth. It develops as a result of making babies/children sleep during breast/bottle feeding. Instead of the bottle itself, sugar-, honey-, molasses-rich milk, baby formula, or breastmilk cause the tooth decay.
All-night contact of teeth with sugary liquids leads to a quick tooth decay.
All-night contact of teeth with sugary liquids leads to a quick tooth decay.
What problems are observed in babies with baby bottle tooth decay?
As a result of tooth decay, we can face the perspective of root canal treatment or teeth pulling.
What can be done to prevent the development of baby bottle tooth decay?
Do not allow your baby to sleep with the bottle full of sugary liquids (including milk, honey milk, baby formula etc.). There is no problem with it sleeping with a water-filled bottle.
After consulting your doctor, better stop feeding your baby with a baby bottle in its 12th-14th month.
Throughout the day, do not give your baby a bottle filled with anything else than water to calm it down.
Do not dip the baby’s pacifier in sugar or sweet liquids.
Do not add sugar to your baby’s food.
Clean your baby’s teeth and gums after every meal with wet material or a toothbrush.
After consulting your doctor, better stop feeding your baby with a baby bottle in its 12th-14th month.
Throughout the day, do not give your baby a bottle filled with anything else than water to calm it down.
Do not dip the baby’s pacifier in sugar or sweet liquids.
Do not add sugar to your baby’s food.
Clean your baby’s teeth and gums after every meal with wet material or a toothbrush.
