Pedodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the oral health of children, from the appearance of the first baby tooth to adolescence.
It includes everything related to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental conditions specific to childhood, in a gentle manner adapted to the age of young children.
The procedures performed on baby teeth are generally similar to those performed on permanent teeth, because their structure is quite similar. However, there are certain particularities that make treatments for children require a special approach.
When is it best to take your child to the dentist for the first time?
The recommendation is that the first dental consultation should take place immediately after the first tooth appears, around the age of one. This is the ideal time to discuss your child’s dental care routine with the pediatric dentist.
It may seem early, but this visit plays an essential role: the child gets used to the atmosphere in the office and the dentist, without stress or fear.
Regular check-ups from an early age help us detect any problems early on and intervene before they get worse. This preventive approach means fewer treatments in the future and better oral health in the long run.
A common myth is that baby teeth do not need to be treated because “they will fall out anyway.”
In fact, these teeth are very important: their roots are in direct contact with the buds of the permanent teeth, so an untreated infection can also affect the adult teeth.
In addition, baby teeth save the space for the permanent teeth to erupt correctly. If they are extracted too early, there is a risk that the permanent teeth will erupt incorrectly or even remain stuck in the bone.
Prevention in pediatric dentistry – what does it include?
Dental hygiene – Regular professional cleanings help prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel.
Dental sealants – We apply a protective layer to the chewing surfaces of the molars to protect them from cavities.
Education for proper hygiene – The pediatric dentist teaches both children and parents how to brush properly and how to use dental floss.
Dental treatments
Wide sealants – We clean the fissures and pits of the teeth (baby or permanent) and fill them with a special material for protection.
Fillings – We treat cavities with dental fillings that restore both the functionality and appearance of the tooth.
Dental crowns – In the case of severely damaged baby teeth, we can apply crowns to protect what remains of the structure.
Root canal treatment – When the tooth pulp (nerve) is inflamed or infected, root canal treatment is necessary even for temporary teeth.
Orthodontic treatment in children
Orthodontics is not just about aligning teeth for a beautiful smile, but plays a key role in the healthy development of the jaws and bite. With timely treatment, we can guide the harmonious growth of teeth and prevent complex problems later on.
Why is orthodontic treatment important for children?
It corrects malpositioned teeth, such as crowded, twisted, spaced, or protruding teeth.
It ensures the harmonious development of the jaw and mandible, avoiding speech or chewing difficulties.
Contributes to a beautiful smile and increased self-confidence, starting in childhood.
Reduces the need for complicated treatments in the future by correcting problems early on.