What is Pedodontics?
Pedodontics (Pediatric Dentistry) is the branch of dentistry that treats diseases of the oral and dental tissues of children aged 0-12 and practices preventive dentistry.
Dental treatments in children require special attention. It’s important to understand children’s psychology and to ease them into the dental chair without frightening them. If a child once experiences a fear of the dentist, this negative experience can affect them throughout their life and may cause them to fear going to the dentist even as they grow older. Therefore, pedodontists specializing in pediatric dentistry can communicate with your child to perform routine dental treatments and provide preventative and emergency interventions.
What is Pedodontics?
There are 20 primary teeth in total. The primary function of primary teeth is to ensure a child’s nutrition. Furthermore, proper speech development depends on the presence of primary teeth. Primary teeth protect the space they occupy for the permanent teeth that will replace them and guide them as they emerge. When a primary tooth is removed prematurely, this natural space-keeper function is eliminated.
Why Do Primary Teeth Decay So Quickly?
Because primary teeth contain more organic matter than normal teeth, they are more prone to decay and decay more easily and quickly.
Children cannot interpret signals such as sensitivity to hot and cold and mild pain, which can be seen in the early stages of decay. They only become aware of the situation when the pain becomes unbearable, and it may be too late.
Children do not pay as much attention to oral care as adults. A child’s dexterity, curiosity, and parental attitude determine toothbrushing habits.
A common mistake made by mothers is filling pacifiers or baby bottles with candy, jam, etc. Children should be given foods like candy before they are dipped in them, or they should be introduced to foods like sweetened milk and fruit juice during breastfeeding and bedtimes. This leaves teeth vulnerable to decay due to irregular eating habits.
When Should Children Have Their First Dental Exam?
Children’s first dental exam should be performed during infancy, usually between six months and one year of age, after the teeth begin to emerge.
Isn’t One Year Old Too Early for an Exam?
The most important reason for starting the first dentist visit so early is that dentists show parents how to properly clean their teeth during infancy. Furthermore, oral and dental checkups at a young age are crucial to protect children from early childhood cavities, also known as baby bottle tooth decay, which can occur due to poor eating habits.