Pedodontics, which originates from Latin, means "child teeth." Pedodontics (Pediatric Dentistry) involves the preservation and treatment of milk and permanent teeth in children aged 0-12 years.
Milk teeth usually begin to erupt around the 6th month after birth, and a total of 20 milk teeth are completed by the age of 2.5 years. Milk teeth exhibit structural and anatomical differences compared to permanent teeth, making them more susceptible to decay and wear. While the primary function of these milk teeth is the child's nutrition, they also serve tasks such as speech, aesthetics, and providing space for the permanent teeth to follow. Decay in milk teeth not only causes pain and inadequate nutrition during feeding but also leads to insufficient space for the succeeding permanent teeth due to the loss of size in decayed milk teeth, which may result in future crowding issues.
Permanent teeth begin to erupt from the age of 6, and during the period until the age of 12, both milk and permanent teeth coexist in the oral cavity. During this mixed dentition period, if there are decayed milk teeth present, they pose a risk of decay for the permanent teeth as well. Additionally, the treatments for newly erupted permanent teeth can be distinct from mature permanent teeth, requiring specialized expertise. Pedodontists monitor the oral and dental health as well as the jaw and facial development of children from infancy, providing preventive and therapeutic interventions as needed.
Who is a Pedodontist?
After completing a 5-year undergraduate dental education at Dental Faculties, dentists who have received specialization or doctoral training in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry affiliated with the Clinical Sciences of Dental Faculties are referred to as pedodontists or pediatric dentists.
What Do Pedodontists Do?
They ensure that children do not develop dental phobia (dental fear) and turn dental treatment into an enjoyable activity for children. They determine the decay risk group for children and establish personalized preventive programs. They educate both children and families about oral and dental care for children. They regulate the child's dietary habits. They organize and implement preventive measures that can be applied before tooth decay occurs (such as fissure sealants, fluoride applications). They perform restorative and endodontic treatments for milk and young permanent teeth (such as fillings, root canal treatments, extractions). They monitor the regular progression of jaw and tooth development. They provide preventive orthodontic treatments. They perform treatments aimed at stopping bad oral habits (such as thumb sucking, nail biting, pencil biting, etc.). They extract milk teeth and, if necessary, make space maintainers and pediatric prostheses. If a child has experienced dental trauma, they carry out follow-ups and treatments related to it. They perform dental treatments for children requiring special attention under sedation or general anesthesia in operating room conditions.
Article Author: Dr. Selin Yıldırım Albat
