Pediatric Dentistry

What is pediatric dentistry?

Child tooth Dentistry; It is a branch of dentistry that covers the treatment of caries in deciduous and permanent teeth of children between the ages of 0-14, preventive dentistry and treatment of traumas. 

 Milk teeth contain more organic matter than permanent teeth. For this reason, they are more prone to decay. Children cannot interpret the signals such as sensitivity and pain of these rapidly developing caries in the early period. 

 They do not realize the condition until the pain is unbearable. For this reason, periodic check-ups should not be neglected in children. 

One of the most important tasks of milk teeth is to provide nutrition. They also play a big role in proper speech. Deciduous teeth protect the space they occupy for the permanent teeth that will replace them. They also guide the permanent teeth so that they can erupt in the proper position. 

Should we treat cavities in milk teeth?

Untreated baby teeth cause bad breath, pain, malnutrition and unsightly appearance. In later periods, we also encounter abscesses and significant swelling on the face. Dental disorders left untreated during this period can lead to general health problems, severe crowding and jaw development disorders. Decays in deciduous teeth should be treated without the misconception that they will be replaced in the future anyway. Instead of extracted deciduous teeth in the early period, we should protect the existing gaps with the apparatus we call space maintainers and make room for the permanent teeth that will come in the future. Otherwise, these gaps will be squeezed by the pressure of other teeth and space limitations will be inevitable.

What is a fissure sealant?

The chewing surfaces of the teeth are structurally very indented and protruding. Bacteria and microorganisms adhere more easily to these surfaces and cause caries over time. The protective material we apply to these surfaces of the teeth after permanent teeth erupt in children is called fissure sealant. In this way, early decay of permanent teeth is prevented.