Do you know what the most common chronic disease among children is? It is tooth decay , or as we call it , tooth decay . Some surveys show that more than 50% of young children have this condition in their baby teeth . In fact, tooth decay is about five times more common among children than a disease like asthma . But don't worry, there is good news. We can completely prevent this disease. And there are dentists who are specially trained for this.
Who is a Pediatric Dentist?
Simply put, a pediatric dentist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating problems related to the teeth, gums, and jaws of infants, toddlers, and young children. They are also called 'Pedodontists'. These doctors focus on the specific changes and problems that occur in a child's teeth and jaws as they grow.
Think about it, when a child is about six months old, their first baby teeth start to come in. By the age of six or seven, these baby teeth fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth. Some parents may think, "Oh... these baby teeth are going to fall out anyway, so there's no need to worry about them." That's a big mistake. If baby teeth aren't properly cared for at a young age, the resulting cavities and gum disease can affect them for a lifetime.
Therefore, seeing a pediatric dentist before your child turns one year old is the best step to prevent many dental problems that may arise in the future.
What services are available from a pediatric dentist?
Pediatric dentists provide a wide range of oral health services tailored to the growing bodies of children and young people. Let's look at this chart to understand this a little more clearly.
| Service received | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Oral health checkup | Checking whether the child's teeth, gums, and jaw are developing properly. |
| Teeth cleaning and fluoride treatment | Removing and cleaning the adhesive that has stuck to the teeth, and applying fluoride to strengthen the teeth. |
| Basic steps for tooth extraction | Identifying the possibility of tooth loss or jaw misalignment early and initiating treatment if necessary. |
| Removing cavities | Removing decayed parts of teeth and filling them. |
| Treatment for dental injuries | Treatment for cases where a tooth breaks, becomes loose, or falls out completely, such as during play. |
| Gum disease management | Treating conditions such as bleeding and swelling of gums in children. |
| Identifying oral health problems caused by other diseases | Early detection of changes in the mouth that may occur due to conditions such as diabetes, asthma, hay fever, and ADHD. |
Becoming a pediatric dentist is not easy!
This is also important to know. A pediatric dentist is not just a dentist. After earning a general dental degree, these doctors undergo several years of specialized training in pediatric dentistry. During this training, they learn in-depth about child psychology , child development, and how to treat children with special health needs. This means that they know how to treat not only children's teeth, but also their minds.
Why should we take our child to a pediatric dentist?
Oral health is very important for our overall health. Our mouth is like the gateway to the entire body. It is home to many types of bacteria. While some are harmless, some germs can cause disease. Good habits like brushing and flossing can help control these harmful bacteria and prevent infections in the mouth and other parts of the body.
These things are especially important for a child who is growing every day.
Pediatric dentists teach parents and children to maintain these good habits throughout their lives, and they are especially skilled at treating children.
A small child, like an adult, cannot sit still in a dental chair. Pediatric dentists know this very well. They are specially trained to treat children without causing them any fear or discomfort. Even their offices are designed to appeal to young children, with toys and beautiful artwork.
In particular, they can treat a child with special health needs with great patience and kindness.
What to expect at the first meeting?
Doctors recommend that children see a pediatric dentist within 6 months of their first tooth appearing, or at most before they are a year old . The first visit usually lasts about 30-45 minutes. The tests and treatments may vary depending on the child's age.
Typically, you can expect the following things during a first meeting:
- A conversation with you: The doctor will first ask you a few questions about your child's brushing habits, diet, and oral health.
- A complete examination: Then, very gently and without fear for the child, the teeth, gums, jaw, and bite are checked.
- Teeth cleaning: If necessary, the teeth will be cleaned by removing any plaque or tartar from the teeth.
Importantly, pediatric dentists do not typically take X-rays of baby teeth. They only do so if there is a suspicion of significant decay or if the root of the tooth needs to be examined. It is best not to expose young children to X-rays unless absolutely necessary.
Take-Home Message
- A pediatric dentist is a doctor who specializes in the oral health of children from infancy to adolescence.
- It is very important to take your child for their first dental check-up before they are one year old, after their first tooth appears.
- Despite the common belief that "they'll fall out anyway," the health of baby teeth strongly affects future permanent teeth and overall health.
- Pediatric dentists are specially trained to treat children without fear or discomfort.
- If you have any concerns about your child's teeth or mouth, talk to your doctor about it.
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