Paediatric Dentistry (Pedodontics)

Just like pediatricians, pediatric dentists (pedodontists) work to solve oral and dental health problems in children. In addition to solving oral and dental health problems in children, pedodontists receive specialized training in preventive dentistry practices, communication with children, positive behavior guidance to overcome dental phobia, and other techniques, in addition to their dental education.

The ideal time for the first meeting with a pediatric dentist
is six months after the baby's first teeth erupt. This is because dental problems can begin at a very early age. By learning about the baby's feeding, dental care, and sucking habits during this period, it will be possible to prevent potential problems before they even start.

A child's first dental visit is usually an introductory session. No treatment is performed during this first examination; only an oral and dental check-up is done, and information about oral hygiene and nutrition is provided. We believe this session forms the first step in the pedodontic triangle, consisting of the 'Pedodontist-Child-Family'. Subsequently, using the latest technologies, auxiliary dental examinations such as X-rays and caries activity tests are performed to determine the child's current dental condition and needs, and the family and child are informed about the procedures to be performed in the next session.

Many dentists, when a patient sits in the dental chair, focus solely on their complaints and teeth. However, for us pediatric dentists, the most important criterion is not the teeth, but the child themselves. Because we know that a child who doesn't fear the dentist will easily tolerate dental treatment. For this reason, in most of the first few sessions, if the child has a fear of the dentist, we focus only on talking to and practicing to help the child overcome this fear without performing any treatment. Generally, except for very young children, we prefer that families do not enter the treatment room with their children. Because often, families project their own fears and anxieties onto their children, negatively affecting the child's positive behavior in the treatment room. Our experience and previous studies show that children's cooperation with the dentist is positively affected when they are alone in the treatment room. Remember that the better the pediatric dentist-child relationship, the more successful the treatments will be.

Pedodontists receive specialized training on how to calm and soothe children before and during dental treatment. Furthermore, the clinic environment, style, and support staff are entirely tailored to children's needs. Therefore, children feel much more comfortable and secure in pedodontists' clinics. Before dental procedures, the pedodontist explains each step to the child using the 'Explain-Show-Do' technique, introducing instruments and associating them with other objects to prevent the child from being afraid. During treatment, continuous communication is maintained between the child and the pedodontist, and the child's positive behavior is immediately rewarded with positive affirmations, which positively increases the child's motivation. If the child shows difficulty cooperating during treatment, other cooperation methods such as voice control and desensitization are used to try and continue the treatment. If none of these methods work, then sedation or general anesthesia may be considered.

Dental Caries/Quality of Life in Children:
Oral and dental health problems are a common health issue in children in both developed and developing countries. Poor oral hygiene in children, whether due to diet or brushing habits, can slow down growth and development. Recent studies show that children who have dental caries in early childhood may be more susceptible to tooth decay later in life. Early diagnosis and preventive treatment methods appear to be the most effective solution for children's healthy growth. Furthermore, studies indicate that dental caries in early childhood can lead to significant psychological and physiological problems such as attention deficit disorder, academic failure, irregular sleep, loss of appetite/difficulty eating, and difficulties communicating with their environment.

Children suffering from tooth decay and pain may be unable to chew or swallow cold/hot or hard foods. This malnutrition can lead to weight loss, and as tooth decay progresses, serious infections in the head/neck and jaw area can occur. In children whose growth and development are ongoing, these types of infections can become focal points, threatening other vital organs (e.g., heart, kidneys, liver, etc.).

It's unlikely that a child who hasn't had a proper breakfast due to tooth decay will be able to concentrate adequately in school, or that a child who hasn't had enough sleep due to a toothache will be able to understand their lessons. All these negative factors can cause the child to lose their desire to learn or hinder their ability to communicate with their environment.

In our country, families often think that since school-aged children have both baby and permanent teeth, baby teeth will eventually fall out anyway. However, baby molars usually remain in the mouth until the age of 11-12 and play a very important role in nutrition. Healthy teeth in children are crucial for their success and overall well-being.

To avoid all these negative consequences, regular dental/pedodontist (children's dentist) check-ups are the first and most important step in preventing or early detecting tooth decay. Furthermore, thanks to a balanced diet and regular brushing habits, it is now very easy for children to have decay-free teeth for life.