Pedodontics
Children require special and careful dental treatment when they are young. Good oral health allows them to eat well, ensuring overall well-being.
At our clinic, we treat children according to their age group and specific needs. Advice for toddlers aged 1-2 years is given to parents, while the first check-up is preferably done around the age of 2, simply introducing them to the medical environment where the child will be treated later. During this visit, the child is rewarded with gifts or thank-you notes to make their first acquaintance with the staff as pleasant as possible. This builds trust and encourages them to attend future appointments without hesitation.
We don’t just settle for examining damaged teeth. It is our duty to assess dento-facial anomalies and monitor growth and development rhythms.
What are sealants?
Sealants are a very thin layer of special composite applied to the surfaces of molars and premolars, or any other deep pits on the tooth surface. More than 15% of cavities start in the natural grooves of teeth. These grooves are difficult to clean and prone to cavities. Sealants fill them, creating a smooth and easily cleanable surface.
Sealants protect the tooth for years.
Where are sealants applied?
- Milk teeth. Teeth with deep grooves prone to cavities.
- Children and adolescents, on all permanent teeth that have erupted starting from the age of 6.
- Natural teeth with deep grooves that are difficult to clean, especially molars that are deep and unfavorably positioned.
Fluoride
Fluoride is the most effective agent in preventing cavities. It is a mineral found naturally in foods and water. The benefits of fluoride have been recognized for over 50 years and are supported by many global health organizations. Today, there are effective programs for actively fluoridating drinking water. Fluoride is obtained through two methods:
1. Topical Fluoride
Strengthens the tooth after its eruption, deposits on the tooth surface, and makes it more resistant to cavities. Topical fluoride actions include using fluoride toothpaste for brushing, mouth rinses, gels, or varnishes applied to the teeth. It is recommended that children receive topical fluoride varnish every 6 months during routine dental check-ups.
2. Systemic Fluoride
Strengthens both erupted and developing teeth. Systemic fluoride acts by passing through the intestinal tract into the bloodstream, reaching the dental vessel system and depositing as hydroxyapatite in the organic structure. Systemic fluoride is obtained through drinking water, foods, and can also be taken through tablets, encapsulated gels, or fluoride sprays. Fluoride drops are recommended for children under 1 year old, and tablets for older children. It is important to monitor the daily fluoride intake carefully. Excess fluoride can lead to Fluorosis, which manifests as white or brown spots on the tooth surface. By analyzing diet, water, toothpaste, and fluoride supplements, the dentist determines the exact daily dose needed for use.
REMEMBER: Fluoridation alone is not sufficient protection against cavities. Fluoridation is especially important for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children aged 0-14 years. It is also crucial to brush teeth twice a day, consume a balanced diet, and have regular check-ups every 6 months.