First Examination with a Pediatric Dentist
The first examination with a pediatric dentist is among the subjects that parents want to be informed about. Unfortunately, the incidence of dental caries in children and young adults is increasing day by day. One of the most important reasons for the increase in this rate is the changing diet habits at developmental age. However, malnutrition can also cause serious problems on oral and dental health along with various health problems. In order not to experience irreversible problems in adulthood, it is necessary to start protecting our oral and dental health at a young age. Our children should be taught the correct oral and dental health protection rules from an early age by their parents. But, as with every subject, expert opinions on this subject are very precious.
When is the First Examination with a Pediatric Dentist?
According to the World Health Organization, the first examination by a pediatric dentist should be done after the first tooth erupts, that is, usually between 6 months and 1 year of age. Pedodontists, who treat diseases in the mouth and dental tissues in children, recommend that the first dental examination of children be done until the age of 1 after the eruption of the first deciduous tooth. The recommendation made by these specialists, who also practice preventive dentistry, is generally interpreted as ‘too early’ by parents. But your child does not necessarily have to sit in the dental chair for treatment at an early age.
Being familiar with the tools to be used during the treatment is a preliminary preparation for the time to come for treatment. In addition, owing to the pedodontist you meet at an early age, you can prevent some problems that children may encounter during their developmental stages.
What is done in the examination performed with the eruption of the first tooth?
- It is taught which brush is more suitable for your baby’s teeth cleaning and which paste to use.
- Information is given on preventing the transmission of bacteria from mother to baby.
- Until what age the bottle and pacifier use should continue, the harms of habits such as thumb sucking or lip picking, and the processes of development in the child’s mouth, teeth and palate are explained.
- Parents are informed about the nutrition that can be done to prevent dental caries and how often you should visit the dentist.
Dear parents, do not forget that all the good habits given to your child at an early age are very important for dental care and health. For this reason, we should put your children’s dental health under the control of specialists from a young age to prevent future problems.
