Pediatric Dentistry

Baby teeth contain more organic matter compared to normal teeth. Therefore, they are more prone to decay and decay faster. Children often cannot perceive decay symptoms at an early stage, such as sensitivity to cold or hot. They usually notice it when the pain becomes unbearable, which is often at a very late stage. Additionally, children cannot pay as much attention to oral hygiene as adults. Tooth brushing habits usually depend on the child’s manual dexterity, curiosity, and the attitude of the parents. One common mistake, especially made by mothers, is giving children pacifiers or bottles dipped in sugary foods or getting them accustomed to sugary drinks like sweetened milk or fruit juice during sleep. In this case, irregular nutrition can lead to tooth decay. There is currently no vaccine or medication that completely prevents decay. However, there are some materials available to reduce the number of decay, one of which is called “pit and fissure sealant.” Tooth decay usually starts in grooves called “fissures” on chewing surfaces. By covering these grooves with pit and fissure sealant material, the penetration of microbes and food debris into these areas is prevented, and the onset of decay is prevented. This procedure can also be applied to permanent premolars and molars that erupt after the age of 6. Another way to prevent decay is to increase the resistance of the teeth against decay. Surface fluoride application increases this resistance. One of the main functions of baby teeth is to ensure the child’s healthy nutrition. Additionally, the proper development of speech skills also depends on the presence of baby teeth. However, serious aesthetic problems like the following can lead to situations that no one would want to see in their child. Baby teeth prepare the space for permanent teeth to take their place and guide them as they erupt. Therefore, if decay in baby teeth is left untreated, it can lead to problems such as pain, bad odor, difficulty chewing, nutritional disorders, and poor appearance. These untreated decay can cause crooked teeth, problems in jaw development, and even general health problems (such as rheumatism) in the future. Therefore, decay in baby teeth should not be neglected and should be treated, rather than with the thought of “new ones will come anyway.” Otherwise, the child may encounter problems like pain at a very young age and may develop phobias in the future. Additionally, these decays can also lead to early loss of baby teeth. Swift intervention is crucial in cases where children’s teeth are damaged in accidents, and making the correct diagnosis is vital. Therefore, your dentist will ask you when and where the accident occurred, from which direction the impact came, and if there are symptoms such as fainting, vomiting, or memory loss after the accident. Based on this information, the most appropriate treatment method can be determined. Tooth injuries in children can sometimes result in the complete dislocation of permanent teeth from their sockets. In this case, immediate dental care should be sought along with the tooth being kept in milk, but if milk is not available, it should be stored in clean water. Breastfeeding babies for at least the first four months ensures the normal development of soft tissue and muscle functions around the mouth. In cases where breast milk is insufficient, physiological bottle nipples can be used (orthodontic, slit nipple). Babies should be introduced to cup and spoon feeding from the age of 1. Bottle feeding should be continued for a maximum of 2 years. Habits such as thumb sucking or using pacifiers can be allowed until the age of 2-2.5 years. If there is a habit of thumb sucking, it must be stopped between the ages of 3-6 by investigating the cause. Respiratory problems can have a negative effect on jaw development. If mouth breathing is the only condition (this can be noticed especially during sleep), it is necessary to consult an otolaryngologist. Dental cleaning should be started when babies are 6-8 months old (i.e., when the first teeth appear in the mouth). It is sufficient to wipe the teeth (at least the chewing surfaces) with a wet cloth or gauze after the morning breakfast and before going to bed at night. The use of a toothbrush can be started after the child’s back teeth erupt (around 2.5-3 years old). Teaching toothbrushing techniques to children in the pre-school period is generally difficult. What matters at these ages is to instill the habit of toothbrushing in the child. Children usually brush the visible or easily accessible surfaces of their teeth, but to prevent decay, the interdental surfaces and chewing surfaces of the teeth should also be cleaned. Therefore, parental supervision is important after brushing. Soft toothbrushes made of nylon bristles, suitable for the child’s mouth size, should be preferred. Hard brushes should not be used as they can cause abrasion on the teeth. Just as an old broom cannot clean well, old toothbrushes cannot effectively clean teeth. When the brush bristles are worn out (usually after about 6 months), they must be replaced. How many times a day should I brush my child’s teeth? Effective brushing, which lasts no more than three minutes, is sufficient after breakfast and before going to bed at night. Like any good habit, toothbrushing is acquired during childhood. Children who have stress, aggressive behaviors, obsessions, or anxious personality structures are more prone to the habit of teeth grinding. Symptoms such as tooth wear, grinding sounds during sleep, facial muscle pain, jaw joint problems, headaches, loose teeth, and sensitivity may occur. Firstly, psychological factors are addressed to eliminate the causes that lead to teeth grinding. When this is not possible, a removable night guard is made for the patient. Thumb sucking is a common habit, especially in young children, and it usually disappears spontaneously by the age of four. However, if the habit persists into the tooth eruption age, it can cause structural abnormalities in the teeth and palate. The degree of these disorders depends on the duration, frequency, intensity, and position of the thumb sucking. The most effective way to prevent thumb sucking is to introduce the child to a pacifier if they tend to suck their thumb. A pacifier is a less harmful habit and can be more easily discontinued in later years. The timing of the treatment is crucial. Successful treatment is difficult unless the child wants to quit this habit. It is psychologically beneficial for the child not to be ridiculed or pressured into quitting this habit during the pre-school period. The child should be encouraged, rewarded, and positively directed. If the habit is not broken by the age of 6, professional help should be sought from a dentist. If your baby is inclined to