Becoming a mother or father brings with it the responsibility of being in charge of another living being’s health; and of course, this includes oral and dental health. As a parent, just as with every part of their body, you want your child’s mouth and teeth to be one hundred percent healthy and trouble-free. In this context, from time to time you may do research, read sources and consult references. If you have not researched paediatric dentistry and children’s dental health before, you can find the answers to your questions here.

When should I take my child for their first dental examination?

Most parents whose children are starting to get their permanent teeth face this question from the moment the first permanent tooth erupts. In order to prevent dental problems that may occur in the future and to take preventive measures in time, every parent has the duty to show their baby to a paediatric dentistry specialist as soon as the baby turns 1 year old. Although this is not a legal obligation, it is a very important step in preventing oral and dental diseases that could reach more serious levels in the future. The dentist can observe the development of the mouth, apply early diagnosis and treatment methods when necessary, and help you become more aware by determining the tasks that fall to you as parents.

How do I prepare my child for their first dental examination?

For every child, the first visit to the dentist can turn into a frightening and worrying event. Before the examination, you need to explain clearly to your child exactly where they are going, what awaits them there and what kind of procedures the paediatric dentist will perform. If you do this, you can be more solution-oriented and calm if you encounter unexpected situations, and you can keep your child’s reactions under control in a more measured way. Take it from us: tricking your child by saying you are taking them to an amusement park, a playground or a toy shop when you are actually taking them to the dentist always leads to more negative results.

How should baby teeth be cared for?

Baby tooth care is another question that parents often wonder about regarding children’s oral health. The best paediatric dentists emphasise that baby tooth care should begin even before the teeth erupt. During baby tooth care, the baby’s gums should be cleaned regularly with a wet, lukewarm cloth, and the gums should be massaged by applying light pressure with the thumb. During the massage, you can use special baby teethers if you wish.

The most common belief when your child is getting baby teeth is that, since they will fall out anyway, they do not need any extra care or attention. However, baby teeth do not only help your baby eat or suckle; they also serve to hold the place of the permanent teeth that will come. That is why, for a healthier and stronger oral structure, baby tooth care is at least as important as permanent tooth care.

What should be used to clean baby teeth?

Of course, you are not expected to use a toothbrush and toothpaste when cleaning your baby’s baby teeth. Instead, small-headed baby toothbrushes produced especially for baby teeth will do the job. This cleaning, which you will do once a day before sleep without using any toothpaste or similar cosmetic product, will prevent the formation of bacteria and plaque on the baby teeth in the long term.

My baby has a severe toothache. What should I do?

Your baby may feel discomfort and pain in the gums and in the mouth in general, especially in the first period when the baby teeth start to erupt. This discomfort, which is new and unexpected for your baby, can make them more uneasy and restless than you think. Since this restlessness will also affect you directly, it is useful to be prepared for such situations in advance. When your baby feels pain while teething, you can have them rinse with warm salt water, apply a cold compress if there is swelling on the face, or gently massage the gums with your thumb.

Is having a dental X-ray harmful for my child?

Especially with current technological developments, dental X-rays have been optimised to involve minimal radiation and harmful rays. Of course, taking an X-ray for every dental problem your child encounters may not be the right strategy; however, a dental X-ray taken at points your paediatric dentist considers essential will not pose any harm to your child’s health. In addition, your paediatric dentistry specialist will not ask for a dental X-ray of your child unless it is truly necessary.