What is pedodontics?
The branch of science that performs all kinds of treatment and preventive dentistry procedures applied to children is called pedodontics.
Why do children’s teeth decay?
The thickness of the enamel and dentin layers of milk teeth is equal to half the thickness of the enamel and dentin layers of permanent teeth. In addition, milk teeth contain more organic matter than permanent teeth. For this reason, milk teeth are more prone to decay than permanent teeth.
Children cannot pay as much attention to oral care as adults. It is very difficult for a young child to clean especially the back teeth. Parents need to educate their children on protecting and improving oral and dental health, teaching the necessary practices to protect against possible diseases, and establishing appropriate behaviors and habits for this purpose.
Children cannot perceive symptoms such as hot and cold sensitivity and mild pain that can be seen in the early stages of decay formation in time. They only realize it when they have a very severe toothache, in which case it may be too late.
Children are mostly breastfed and formula-fed at an early age. During that period, the growth and development of the baby are more important for the family. Parents add sugar or honey to milk or formula and give it to the baby during sleep or between sleeps, thinking that the baby will be better fed. In addition, pacifiers and baby bottles are dipped in honey or jam and given to the baby. These and similar practices cause baby bottle tooth decay in the child.
Is it possible to prevent tooth decay?
Today, a vaccine or medicine that can prevent tooth decay has not yet been developed. However, there are practices aimed at reducing tooth decay and protecting the tooth surface from decay. The first of the practices aimed at reducing tooth decay and protecting the tooth surface from decay is to strengthen the tooth surface by adding fluoride. Fluoride can be added to the structure of the enamel during the tooth’s formation period. In this way, the enamel becomes more resistant to acids.
There are two ways to take fluoride. The first is to apply fluoride locally. Local fluoride application can be in two ways.
Professional Fluoride Application:
It is the practice of the dentist himself. It is carried out by applying certain substances containing fluoride to the teeth.
Self-Fluoride Application:
Fluoride-containing toothpastes and mouthwashes can be used.
Another way to get fluoride is to apply fluoride systemically. Systemic use of fluoride is achieved by using fluoride tablets or drinking water with added fluoride. A dentist or pediatrician should definitely be consulted for systemic fluoride use.
Another application aimed at reducing the formation of cavities in teeth is sealants-fissure sealants. There are indentations and protrusions called fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth. Brushing teeth is not sufficiently effective in the fissures of teeth. By applying special substances called fissure sealants, the formation of cavities can be prevented by closing the fissures. Thanks to the fissure sealant application, although bacteria produce acid, they will not be able to reach the tooth by passing through the fissure sealant.
What is the importance of milk teeth?
Many people do not care about milk teeth because they think they will change anyway. A total of 20 milk teeth erupt to fulfill certain functions until the child reaches the age of 12-13.