What is Pediatric Dentistry?
Dentists who carry out all kinds of treatment and preventive dentistry procedures applied on kids from birth to the ages 13-14, when all deciduous teeth have been replaced, and who have received special training in this regard, are called ‘pedodontists’ (pediatric dentists), whereas this branch of dentistry is called ‘pedodontics.’

What Is Its Purpose?
The primary goal of pedodontics is to take measures to prevent these problems from occurring rather than treat problems that have arisen. Procedures applied for this purpose are called ‘Preventive Dentistry.’

What is the Importance of Deciduous Teeth?
The primary task of deciduous teeth is to ensure proper nutrition of the child. Moreover, the proper development of speech also depends on the presence of deciduous teeth. Deciduous teeth protect the area they cover for the permanent tooth that will replace them and guide it while the permanent tooth is erupting. Whenever the deciduous tooth is pulled early, this natural place-holding function disappears.

Don’t Worry if it’s a Deciduous Tooth! The ‘It’s Gonna Fall Out Anyway’ Error
If only everything were that easy… However, we can’t deny that the general opinion around deciduous teeth is like this. But does this common view reflect reality? Unfortunately, not. Problems in deciduous teeth are the source of many future problems. A prematurely lost deciduous tooth causes a number of problems. The resulting cavities create a focal point of infection in the child, and also make feeding difficult.

7 Steps to Oral Health

• Particular attention should be paid to foods rich in calcium. They play an important role in the healthy development of permanent teeth and gums.
• Consumption of sugary foods should be limited. These trigger the formation of cavities.
• Children should be taught that it’s necessary to brush their teeth after every meal. After teeth erupt in babies, teeth and gums should be wiped with a clean and wet gauze pad.
• In situations where brushing isn’t possible, the mouth should be rinsed with water after meals.
• After the teeth erupt, the child should drink milk before going to bed in order not to cause cavities. The child should NEVER go to bed with a bottle, and milk or juice remaining on the teeth while sleeping will lead to decay.
• Sweet drinks should be avoided as much as possible. These drinks disrupt the structure of the teeth, making them prone to cavities.
• Parents should be a healthy example for the child by eating healthy and brushing their teeth regularly.