Pedodontics, also known as pediatric dentistry, is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the oral and dental health of infants, children and young adults from birth until the completion of permanent dentition.
The first aim of Pedodontics is not only to treat problems that have already occurred, but also to find the source of these problems and take measures to prevent them from occurring. The procedures applied for this purpose are called Preventive Dentistry. Preventive dentistry includes the regulation of eating habits, correction of wrong eating habits, education on oral and dental hygiene, procedures that can be applied to teeth such as local fluoride and fissure sealants, and regular check-ups.
The foundations of oral and dental health are laid during childhood. Preventive methods and dental examinations are important during deciduous dentition because deciduous teeth are a guide for the permanent teeth that will replace them. In childhood, newly erupted permanent teeth should be protected. Care and protection are important for healthy individuals in the future.
As soon as your baby's first tooth erupts, you should start cleaning it. You should choose a gauze swab or a soft toothbrush for this. After breastfeeding your baby, it is important to wipe the gums and teeth with gauze or clean them with a toothbrush. You can also soak the brush in warm water for a few minutes to soften it even more.