Milk Teeth (Baby Teeth)
Milk teeth begin to erupt when babies are 6 to 12 months old and continue until about three years old. During this time, burning, itching and pain may occur in the gums. To help relieve the discomfort of your child, we recommend that you gently soothe the gums by applying a finger or a cold, wet cloth to the gums. You can also use a teething ring to scratch the gums. Milk teeth start to fall out at the age of 6 and continue during childhood.
Permanent teeth start to grow at the age of 6 and continue until the age of 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth. This number can be up to 32 with wisdom teeth.
Oral and Dental Hygiene
When your child's milk teeth erupt, you should check every two weeks and identify any streaks and discolourations that may indicate decay.
Sugary foods and drinks cause tooth decay, so you should have your child brush their teeth after eating and drinking. We recommend brushing twice a day for adequate oral and dental hygiene.
To give children the habit of brushing teeth, you should make brushing fun. Brushing your teeth should begin as soon as your child's first tooth appears. Parents should brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush when the baby's teeth erupt. For children less than two years of age, do not use fluoride toothpaste unless advised by your dentist.
Flossing is also a part of oral hygiene habits. You can determine with your dentist whether it is the right time for your child to clean their teeth using dental floss.
Importance of Regular Control in Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is caused by sugars that remain in your mouth after eating and drinking, which eventually turn into acid and damage your teeth. Tooth decay can be prevented simply by paying attention to oral and dental hygiene. Unfortunately, the majority of our children are not sufficiently brushing their teeth. In addition to brushing, it will be useful to check the dentist every 6 months to determine potential problems and to take timely measures. To conclude, brushing and flossing together with regular dental examinations significantly prevent dental caries.
Fluoride Application
Fluoride application is a safe and effective way to prevent your child's teeth from decaying. Fluoride is applied to the tooth surface of the child and helps to strengthen the teeth. In addition, fissure sealants, which are a kind of tooth-coloured and fluid filling, are applied to the bite surfaces of children's teeth to prevent decay.
Importance of Pediatric Dental Care and Treatment by Pediatrician
Children are not small adults. It is not right to expect patience and cooperation from children that most adults sometimes cannot show during the dental examination. Pediatric dentistry is not only to specialize in medical terms related to children's teeth but also to know how to approach children to make them feel comfortable during examination and treatment. Therefore, although general dentists can also provide pediatric treatments, a dentist specialized in paediatrics can offer your child a better dental treatment. Our specialist and experienced paediatrician provides high-level dental care and treatment services to children.
How do I get my kids to brush their teeth?
- Set a Good Example
We have a saying in Turkish; the goat climbing the trees will have a yeanling gazing on the branches. Children are influenced by their parents. Therefore, in order to give children the habit of brushing their teeth, you must set an example by brushing your teeth. You should also make it feel fun and useful.
- Reward
Give your child a small reward every time they brush their teeth. Stickers can be a very good reward.
-Fun Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Go shopping with your child and buy fun, colourful toothbrushes and flavoured toothpaste. You can also buy coloured floss to give your child a regular floss habit.
Pediatric Dentistry