When should we take our children for a dental check-up?

 

It is beneficial to take our children to a dentist at the age of 4-5 to check their milk teeth and from the age of 6 to check their permanent teeth. This is because the 6-year molars, or the permanent large molars, begin to emerge in the mouth at this age. 

 

What should be done before the age of 6?

 

Before the age of six, there are milk teeth in the mouth. Of course, these teeth are very valuable. One should not think that they will fall out eventually. 

There are two important things we need to know about milk teeth. The first is that these teeth should not decay. When milk teeth decay, the number of bacteria in the mouth increases and a harmful environment is created for the permanent teeth that will come later. This is because the bacteria in the mouth will also cause the permanent teeth to decay. At the same time, decayed milk teeth cause pain and lead to a restless and difficult period for children. Therefore, when milk teeth first appear, they should be cleaned with finger brushes. Later, they should be brushed with children's toothpaste and toothbrushes. If the risk of decay is high, the teeth can be strengthened with periodic fluoride applications or protective fillings, also known as dental sealants. 

The second important issue is the gaps between milk teeth. While teeth tightly aligned like pearls are generally preferred, in the case of milk teeth, we actually want there to be gaps between them. This is because if there are no gaps between milk teeth, there will not be enough space for the permanent teeth to emerge later, which could lead to crowding or impacted teeth. 

Therefore, the health of milk teeth is very important, and it is necessary to introduce our children to a dentist and have them examined between the ages of 3-6. At the very least, parents should be informed about this subject.

If there is a misalignment related to the growth and development of the jawbones, appliances that correct the growth direction of the bones can be used from this age. 

If the misalignment is present on one side or both sides, meaning that the upper teeth are positioned more inward compared to the lower teeth, it indicates a mismatch in the jaw sizes. In this case, treatment related to the jawbones may be required. It is essential to have this condition examined by an orthodontist or a dentist. 

Jawbones can be easily shaped with these appliances until the age of 8-12. Expansion can be achieved in the upper jaw, making it compatible with the lower jaw. If the lower jaw is recessed, its forward growth can be increased. 

Another issue is when the front teeth do not touch. Sometimes, children develop a habit of thumb sucking. In this case, the upper and lower teeth cannot touch each other. If thumb sucking is stopped by the age of 4, the teeth may correct themselves, but if it continues beyond the age of 4, permanent orthodontic problems can occur. These problems can also be corrected with orthodontic appliances. In children with severe skeletal problems, the amount of the problem can be reduced with orthopedic appliances, and after the growth and development period is complete, they may be referred for jaw surgery. 

Your orthodontist will inform you about these two-phase treatments, which involve both orthopedic and orthodontic procedures. The first phase involves orthopedic treatments with appliances to align the jawbones, and the second phase ensures the alignment of the teeth. Every patient has a unique orthodontic problem, and there will be a personalized treatment plan. 

 

What happens if these bone misalignments are not corrected during this period?

  

In children with severe skeletal problems, the severity of the issue can be reduced, and after the growth and development period is complete, they may be referred for jaw surgeries. 

Let's say we have widened the jaws, but crowding has still occurred in the teeth. There may be asymmetries in the smile, with one tooth shorter and another longer, or a tooth rotated on its axis. In such cases, it will be necessary to use braces or clear aligners to correct tooth movements or resolve crowding. 

Braces are bonded to each tooth individually, and wires are passed between these braces to apply corrective forces to the teeth. These wires are changed every 6 weeks, or adjustments are made to them. The average duration of orthodontic treatments is 1 or 1.5 years. In some cases of mild crowding, treatment can take as little as 3-4 months. Similarly, orthodontic treatments can also be done using clear aligners instead of braces. A certain number of aligners are prepared depending on the amount of crowding, and patients are asked to change them approximately every 10-12 days. Check-up sessions with the orthodontist will also be required. 

This treatment method is now becoming more preferred compared to traditional braces among our patients. From...