About pediatric dentistry and children's teeth

Pediatric dentistry – the dental specialty that focuses on the prevention and treatment of conditions that arise during the dentition period in children: temporary dentition and permanent dentition in adolescents. Children and adolescents have different dental needs than adults, requiring treatment by a specialist in pediatric dentistry.

Pedodontics is a relatively new branch of dentistry that was established in Romania only in 1948 in five university centers. In pedodontics, the doctor must have knowledge of pediatrics, embryology, general and oral pathology, and be well versed in child psychology. The pediatric dentist contributes to the education of children, adults, and parents of tomorrow in the spirit of respecting oral hygiene and dental prophylaxis measures. It is recommended to consult a pediatric dentist as soon as possible after the eruption of the first teeth, in order to comply with hygiene and dental prophylaxis appropriate for the child's age.

Types of dentition

Tooth formation is a long process that begins in the sixth week of intrauterine life and ends postnatally, around the age of 14-15, with the completion of the formation of the root of the second molar (M12). The term "dentition" defines the type, number, and arrangement of teeth as a whole. Some mammals (including humans) have two generations of teeth during their lifetime (also called diphyodont dentition):

• Temporary/milk/deciduous teeth – during which treatments such as extractions, fluoridation, and sealants are performed.
• permanent/definitive/adult dentition.

How does pediatric dentistry help your child's teeth?

1. Preserves the affected tooth and restores its functions until a replacement is found.
2. Temporary tooth treatment benefits the child by avoiding extraction trauma.
   
3. Temporary molars serve to maintain space for future permanent molars.
   
4. Treatment of temporary teeth is performed using simple methods as long as the child cooperates.
   
5. The instruments and medication therapy are specific to children.
   
6. Successful treatment reduces the number of unplanned extractions and their short- and medium-term consequences that may arise.

However, the primary role in educating young children about oral health falls largely to parents, as regular and conscientious hygiene at home will create healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

In pediatric dentistry, dental treatment is carried out gradually in ascending order of discomfort that the procedure may cause to the young patient. Thus, the first consultation is the child's first contact with the pediatric dentist, and it is good to get to know each other beforehand in order to establish a relationship of trust and security. Simple preventive measures can be taken, such as:

• cleaning your child's teeth (so-called professional brushing)
• simple sealants (after psychological and behavioral treatment has been completed)
• guidance on dietary adjustments, individualized brushing techniques, etc.

The other therapeutic interventions can be performed during the following treatment sessions, as the child has had time to process the information from the first session:

• widened seals
• preventive closures
• scaling (if necessary)

Tips and instructions for proper and thorough brushing of your child's teeth

It is recommended that you supervise your child until the age of 6 when brushing their teeth, following these rules:

• Use toothpaste, preferably with natural ingredients, fluoride-free but recommended by your dentist, in an amount the size of a pea. 
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush the inner surfaces of all teeth first, as this is where plaque mainly accumulates. Tilt the toothbrush along the gum line. Brush gently back and forth.
• Clean the outer surfaces of all teeth. Tilt the toothbrush at the gum line. Brush gently back and forth.
• Position the toothbrush so that the bristles are perpendicular to the occlusal surface of the molars. Brush gently back and forth.