Pedodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with the oral and dental health of children from infancy to the end of adolescence. It covers the follow-up of primary and permanent teeth, preventive applications and, where required, restorative treatment. The treatment plan is determined by the dentist according to the child’s age, the stage of dental development and the findings of the examination.
When the first dental visit should take place
A first dental examination is generally recommended around the time the first tooth erupts or by the child’s first birthday. Early visits allow the development of the teeth and jaw to be followed and give the family the opportunity to receive information about oral hygiene habits and diet.
Preventive applications
- Examination of the teeth and gums, and follow-up of the eruption sequence
- Fissure sealants applied to the chewing surfaces where the dentist considers them appropriate
- Fluoride applications, with the dose and interval determined by the dentist
- Guidance on brushing technique and interdental cleaning
- Assessment of dietary habits, particularly the frequency of sugar intake
Treatments applied in children
Depending on the findings, fillings, treatment of the pulp tissue in primary teeth, space maintainers where a primary tooth has been lost early, and treatment of dental trauma may be applied. Where crowding or a bite disorder is detected, the child may be directed to orthodontic assessment at the appropriate age.
Approach to children during treatment
The first appointment is generally used to help the child become familiar with the clinic. Procedures are explained in age-appropriate language, and the treatment plan is shared with the family. Where a child cannot cooperate with treatment, the dentist evaluates the alternative approaches available and discusses them with the family.
Caring for the mouth before the first tooth appears
Oral care does not begin with the first tooth. Wiping the gums with a clean, damp cloth after feeds accustoms the baby to the routine and removes milk residue. When the first tooth appears, a small soft brush replaces the cloth. During teething, swelling and tenderness of the gum, increased drooling and restlessness are commonly reported; a clean teething ring may help. Persistent fever or diarrhoea is not attributed to teething and should be assessed by a paediatrician.
Bottle feeding and night-time habits
Falling asleep with a bottle allows sweetened liquid to pool around the upper front teeth for long periods, and decay in this pattern can progress quickly. Water is the safer choice once feeding has finished, and moving from bottle to cup around the age the dentist suggests reduces the risk. Night feeding beyond the first year is discussed at the examination rather than treated as a fixed rule, since every child differs.
Brushing at different ages
Young children do not yet have the manual control to clean their own teeth thoroughly, so an adult brushes for them at first and later checks the result. Around school age many children brush themselves with supervision, and the back teeth are the area most often missed. Toothpaste amount and fluoride content are decided according to age and caries risk, and the dentist advises on this at the visit rather than a general rule being applied.
Snacking patterns and drinks
How often sugar reaches the teeth matters more than the total amount eaten at one sitting. Frequent small snacks and sipping sweetened or acidic drinks through the day keep the mouth in an acidic state for longer. Keeping sweet foods to mealtimes, offering water between meals and avoiding sweetened drinks in bottles are the points most often discussed with families. Sticky sweets that stay on the tooth surface are more of a concern than those that clear quickly.
The mixed dentition period
From around the age of six, baby teeth are gradually replaced while permanent teeth come through, and for several years the mouth contains both. Crowding, gaps and slight irregularity are common during this period and do not always need treatment. The first permanent molars appear behind the baby teeth without any tooth falling out, so they are sometimes mistaken for baby teeth and neglected. These are the teeth for which fissure sealants are most often considered.
When an orthodontic assessment is arranged for a child
An early assessment is generally recommended so that jaw development can be observed, even when no appliance is planned at that stage. Crossbite, a marked difference between the jaws, prolonged thumb sucking or early loss of a baby tooth are findings that may bring the assessment forward. What happens next is explained on the orthodontic treatment page. Timing is decided by the dentist according to dental age rather than by birthday alone.
Frequently asked questions
Do primary teeth need to be treated
Primary teeth guide the permanent teeth into position and take part in chewing and speech. Decay and infection in primary teeth may affect the permanent teeth developing beneath them, so treatment is planned according to the examination findings.
How often should check-ups take place
The check-up interval is determined by the dentist according to the child’s decay risk, oral hygiene habits and dental development.
If you have a question about this subject, you can reach our clinic.
What should be done if a tooth is knocked out in an accident
A dentist should be consulted as soon as possible. The dentist evaluates what can be done according to the type of tooth, the time elapsed and the radiographic findings. For appointment requests you can use our contact page.
The information on this page is for general information purposes only and does not replace an examination by a dentist. Diagnosis and treatment planning are carried out by the dentist following an intraoral examination and, where considered necessary, radiographic evaluation.
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