Does thumb sucking habit cause harm?

Habits continuing beyond age 3 can narrow the jaw and cause malocclusion. Habit-breaking appliances manage this process gently.

Children's Dentist Ankara – Paediatric Dentistry, Fissure Sealant Treatment

Q: Is treatment necessary when primary teeth decay?

Yes. Untreated primary tooth decay can lead to pain, infection, damage to permanent tooth bud and orthodontic problems. Should not be neglected with the thought of 'they will fall out anyway'.

Q: When should fissure sealant be done?

Ages 6–7 are ideal for first permanent molars, ages 11–13 for second molars. Application immediately after eruption provides the most effective protection.

Q: Can root canal treatment be performed on a primary tooth?

Yes. Primary tooth pulp treatment allows the tooth to continue its function until natural shedding while protecting the permanent tooth bud.

Q: What is a space maintainer?

An appliance used to keep space open for the permanent tooth when a primary tooth is lost early. Prevents neighboring teeth from drifting into the gap.

Q: What first aid should be given to a child with a knocked-out tooth?

Place tooth in milk or saline solution, reach dentist within 30–60 minutes. Replantation is possible if permanent; do not attempt to replace a primary tooth. Always attend examination after trauma.

Q: My child is afraid of the dentist — what should I do?

Use positive language, plan first visit as a treatment-free introduction. At our clinic, Tell-Show-Do and positive reinforcement are used to create a comfortable experience for every child.

Q: What is baby bottle decay?

Rapid decay process seen in babies put to sleep with milk or fruit juice affecting all front primary teeth. Prevented by avoiding anything other than water in the bottle at bedtime.

Q: At what age should orthodontic assessment be performed?

Early jaw problems can be intervened at ages 6–8. Routine orthodontic assessment is generally performed at ages 10–12.

Ankara İncek · Children's Dentistry

Paediatric Dentistry – Children's Dentistry

From infancy to adolescence, from primary teeth to permanent teeth. Preventive applications, primary tooth treatments and a specialist approach that eliminates dental fear.

The Right Address for Your Child's Teeth

Why are primary teeth important? At what age should children first see a dentist? When are fissure sealants and fluoride applications performed? Dr. Sevgi Savaş Akbaş answers the questions families are most curious about in this video.

At our Ankara İncek clinic, we offer our young patients a trust-focused and trauma-free treatment experience.

WhatsApp Appointment

Paediatric dentistry is the specialty that monitors the healthy development of children's primary and permanent teeth from infancy to adolescence, covering all preventive and therapeutic applications. Primary teeth should not be neglected with the thought that "they will fall out anyway"; the child's nutrition, speech development, facial aesthetics and healthy positioning of permanent teeth are directly linked to primary tooth health. As Sevgi Savaş Dental Clinic in Ankara İncek, we provide a patient and trust-based approach tailored to children of every age group.

◈Why Are Primary Teeth Important? ◎Preventive Applications ◇Fissure Sealant ◆Fluoride Application ✦Primary Tooth Treatments ⊕Dental Trauma ⊙Habit-Breaking Appliance ❋Child-Centred Approach ⊛Age-by-Age Guide ①Family Guide

Why Are Primary Teeth So Important?

Children's first teeth — 20 primary teeth — begin to erupt at approximately 6 months and are complete by age 2.5. Although permanent teeth begin to erupt from age 6, primary teeth continue to serve in the mouth until age 12. These "temporary" teeth actually take on very critical functions.

Functions of Primary Teeth Chewing and nutrition function · Correct speech and sound development · Healthy development of the jawbone · Space-holding for permanent teeth to come from below · Facial aesthetics and self-confidence development

Consequences of Untreated Primary Tooth Decay Pain and difficulty eating · Damage to the permanent tooth bud · Early tooth loss → space deficiency → need for orthodontics · Risk of infection spreading · Dental fear becoming established

ImportantDecay in a primary tooth can directly affect the permanent tooth bud below it. Neglecting primary teeth with the thought that "they will fall out anyway" puts the child's permanent teeth at risk.

Preventive Dentistry Applications

The most valuable principle of paediatric dentistry is "preventing is easier than treating." Preventive applications aim to ensure that children grow up with a healthy oral structure without experiencing tooth decay, and are largely successful.

Fissure sealant: Prevents decay by sealing the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of molar teeth.
Topical fluoride application: Tooth enamel is strengthened; clinically significantly reduces the risk of decay.
Oral hygiene education: Age-appropriate tooth brushing technique is demonstrated to the child and family.
Nutritional counselling: Food habits that increase decay risk are evaluated; healthy alternatives are recommended.
Regular check-up appointments: Possible problems are detected early with 6-monthly monitoring.

Fissure Sealant – The Most Effective Prevention of Decay

The deep grooves (fissures) on the chewing surfaces of molar teeth are areas that children cannot clean with a toothbrush, where bacteria accumulate easily. These areas are the source of the vast majority of decay cases.

A fissure sealant is a protective material in flowing form applied to these grooves; it smooths the tooth surface and prevents bacteria from adhering. It is a painless, quick and highly effective application.

Which Teeth Is It Applied To?

Applied predominantly to first permanent molars erupting at age 6 and second permanent molars erupting at age 12. Can also be applied to primary molars with deep fissures.

At What Age Should It Be Done?

Ages 6–7 are ideal for first molars, and ages 11–13 for second molars. Application immediately after tooth eruption provides the most effective result.

How Long Does It Last?

A check-up every 6 months is recommended. Renewed when necessary. Can provide protective function for 5–10 years depending on care.

Is It Safe?

Yes. No tooth preparation is needed, no anaesthesia required. Application takes a few minutes; the child feels no discomfort whatsoever.

Topical Fluoride Application

Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens the tooth enamel structure and increases its resistance to acid attacks. Topical fluoride applied in a clinical setting provides much more intensive and effective protection compared to home-use fluoride toothpastes.

How Is It Applied? Applied to tooth surfaces in gel, varnish or foam form · The procedure is painless, takes approximately 1–4 minutes · Recommended to be repeated every 6 months · Enamel structure has not yet matured in newly erupted teeth; application is particularly valuable during this period

Especially Recommended For? Children with high decay tendency · The 6–12 age group with newly erupted permanent teeth · Children whose dietary habits increase decay risk · Those using orthodontic appliances (decay risk around brackets is high)

Primary Tooth Treatments

Problems that arise in primary teeth must definitely be treated to prevent early loss of the tooth. Primary tooth treatments are technically different from those on permanent teeth; they are planned according to the child's age, the condition of the tooth and behaviour management.

Treatment	Application Situation	Purpose
Filling	Early and moderate decay	Stopping decay, preserving the tooth
Pulp treatment (root canal)	Decay reaching the pulp or trauma	Protection until permanent tooth without early loss
Stainless steel crown	Primary molar with significant material loss	Durable, long-term protection
Space maintainer	Early tooth loss	Keeping the eruption path of permanent tooth open
Extraction	Unrestorable tooth	Source of infection eliminated; space maintainer planned

Root canal treatment (pulp treatment) on a primary tooth is performed for a different purpose than in adults: the aim is for the tooth to continue its function until its natural shedding time while protecting the permanent tooth bud.

Dental Trauma in Children

Tooth fracture, displacement or complete avulsion during falls, impacts and sports accidents is common in children. In dental trauma, the speed and correctness of the first response is decisive for whether the tooth can be saved.

What to Do in an Emergency? If the tooth has completely come out, place it in milk or saline solution, not on a dry surface · If the tooth is broken, preserve the broken piece · If there is bleeding, press with a clean gauze · Reach a dentist within 30–60 minutes — every minute is critical

Treatments Applied After Trauma Replantation (repositioning the avulsed tooth) · Splinting (stabilizing the tooth) · Pulp treatment (if nerve is affected) · Bonding broken piece · Long-term radiological follow-up

Trauma to a Primary Tooth ≠ UnimportantA primary tooth that has been knocked out or received trauma may have affected the permanent tooth bud underneath. Even if there appears to be no problem, a dentist must be consulted after trauma.

Habit-Breaking Appliances

Habits such as thumb sucking, dummy dependence, tongue thrusting and nail biting can disrupt jaw development, cause protrusion of front teeth and lead to malocclusion problems. It is recommended that these habits do not continue beyond ages 3–4.

At our clinic, special habit-breaking appliances can be planned according to the child's age and the type of habit. These appliances are designed not to force the child but to gently prevent the reflex that creates the habit. Cooperation with the parent directly affects the success of treatment.

Child-Centred Treatment Approach – Trust and Comfort

Preventing dental fear in children directly shapes oral health habits in adulthood. A negative experience at the first visit can develop into permanent anxiety in the child. For this reason, the approach technique is just as important as the medical intervention.

Tell-Show-Do

Before each procedure, what will be done is explained to the child in age-appropriate language, the instrument is shown, and then the procedure is performed. When the element of surprise is eliminated, fear is greatly reduced.

Positive Reinforcement

Each successful step is supported with rewarding language and behaviour. The child associates the dentist with a positive experience.

Sense of Control

The child is given a "we can stop if you want" signal. This small touch significantly reduces the child's anxiety and increases cooperation.

Parent Coordination

Each treatment step is shared transparently with the family. Preparation and attitude at home directly affects the behaviour displayed at the clinic.

Age-by-Age Paediatric Dentistry Monitoring Guide

0–1 Years

First Dentist Visit

The first examination should be performed with the eruption of the first tooth (6th month – 1 year). Guidance is provided to the parent on brushing technique and dummy use.

1–3 Years

Early Childhood Decay

Baby bottle decay is the most common problem of this period. 6-monthly check-up, fluoride varnish application and hygiene education begin.

3–6 Years

Primary Dentition Period

20 primary teeth are complete. This is the period requiring fissure sealant (for primary molars), fillings and habit-breaking appliances.

6–12 Years

Mixed Dentition Period

Both primary and permanent teeth are in the mouth. Fissure sealant for first permanent molars is critical. Jaw development is monitored; early orthodontic intervention is planned if necessary.

12–18 Years

Permanent Dentition and Adolescence

Second permanent molars erupt, fissure sealant is applied. Orthodontic treatment assessment continues; regular dentist follow-up continues.

Recommendations for Families – Dental Health at Home

First visit without delay

The first dentist visit should be made with the eruption of the first tooth, no later than age 1.

Start brushing early

Brushing should begin when the first tooth appears. A finger brush or soft baby brush is used for infants.

Fluoride toothpaste timing

Up to age 2, a thin layer (grain of rice size) of fluoride toothpaste; between ages 2–6, a pea-sized amount is used.

Do not put to sleep with a bottle

Sleeping with sugary liquids causes baby bottle decay. Avoid putting to sleep with a bottle containing anything other than water.

Reduce sugary snacks

The frequency of sugar consumption is more important than the amount. Consuming sugary foods frequently throughout the day multiplies decay risk.

6-monthly check-up

Even without symptoms, a 6-monthly paediatric dental check-up provides early diagnosis and minimizes the need for treatment.

Dr. Sevgi Savaş Akbaş

Dentist · Children's Dentistry · Ankara İncek

Dr. Sevgi Savaş Akbaş offers a trust-focused and trauma-free treatment experience specially tailored to young patients at her Ankara İncek clinic. With an approach based on the Tell-Show-Do technique, positive reinforcement and parent coordination, she aims to prevent dental fear from the very beginning. All paediatric dentistry services are provided including fissure sealant, fluoride application, primary tooth pulp treatments, space maintainers and habit-breaking appliances.

Children's Dentistry – Frequently Asked Questions

When should a child first go to the dentist?

The first dentist visit should be made with the eruption of the first tooth, no later than age 1. The purpose of this visit is not treatment but getting acquainted and parent education. Information is provided on tooth brushing technique, dietary recommendations and possible risks. Regular visits started early allow the child to develop a positive relationship with the dentist.

Is treatment necessary when primary teeth decay?

Yes, absolutely. If decay in a primary tooth is not treated, it can lead to pain and infection, damage to the permanent tooth bud, early tooth loss and orthodontic problems in the future. Primary teeth neglected with the thought of "they will fall out anyway" jeopardize the child's long-term oral health.

When and at what age should fissure sealant be done?

Ages 6–7 are ideal for first permanent molars, and ages 11–13 for second permanent molars. Application immediately after tooth eruption provides the most effective protection. This procedure, which is painless, quick and requires no tooth preparation, largely prevents molar decay. A check-up every 6 months is recommended.

Is fluoride application safe?

Yes. Topical fluoride applied in a clinical setting is a preventive application approved by international dental associations and proven to be safe. It is applied directly to the tooth surface with much higher effectiveness than the amounts in various fluoride toothpastes. The amount swallowed is negligible.

Can root canal treatment be performed on a primary tooth?

Yes. Root canal treatment (pulp treatment) on a primary tooth aims for the tooth to continue its function until its natural shedding time while protecting the permanent tooth bud without the infected tooth being extracted. It is technically different from permanent teeth; the material and method used are selected accordingly since the primary tooth root is absorbed.

What is a space maintainer and when is it fitted?

When a primary tooth is lost early, neighboring teeth drift into the gap and no space remains for the permanent tooth coming from below. A space maintainer is a small appliance that preserves this space. Fixed and removable types are available. Which type to fit and how long to use it is decided by the dentist.

What first aid should be given to a child with a knocked-out or broken tooth?

If the tooth has completely come out, place it in milk or saline solution, not on a dry surface. Reach a dentist within 30–60 minutes. If it is a permanent tooth, replantation is possible; do not attempt to place a primary tooth back in its socket. Even if there are no symptoms after trauma, definitely attend an examination; the permanent tooth bud may have been affected.

Does thumb sucking habit damage teeth?

Thumb sucking or dummy use lasting until age 3 generally does not leave permanent damage. However habits continuing beyond this age can cause the front teeth to protrude forward, the upper jaw to narrow and malocclusion problems. Habit-breaking appliances are used to manage this process gently and effectively.

My child is afraid of the dentist — what should I do?

Dental fear is common in children but preventable. Use positive language at home; avoid negative concepts such as "it won't hurt" or "there are no injections." Make the first visit a treatment-free get-acquainted appointment. At our clinic, the Tell-Show-Do technique and positive reinforcement are used with care to ensure every child forms a positive relationship with dental treatment.

What is baby bottle decay and how is it prevented?

Baby bottle decay is a rapid decay process seen in babies put to sleep with milk, fruit juice or sweetened liquids that affects all front primary teeth. To prevent it, avoid putting to sleep with a bottle containing anything other than water; clean the teeth every evening. If baby bottle decay is present, early intervention is required.

At what age should orthodontic assessment be performed?

Serious jaw or dental discrepancies can be noticed and intervened at an early stage such as ages 6–8. At this age the jaw is in the growth process and can be guided with orthopaedic appliances. Routine orthodontic assessment is generally performed at ages 10–12, after permanent teeth have largely erupted. At our clinic, jaw development is also monitored during paediatric dental follow-up.

Why Sevgi Savaş Dental Clinic in Ankara İncek for children's dentistry?

At our clinic, young patients are welcomed with the Tell-Show-Do technique, trust-focused communication and parent coordination. All paediatric dentistry applications are offered including fissure sealant, fluoride, primary tooth pulp treatment, space maintainer and habit-breaking appliances. Each child is assessed individually; a holistic follow-up in continuous communication with the family is maintained.

Let's Take the First Step for Your Child's Dental Health

The earlier the first visit, the sooner preventive measures can begin. Call us to book an appointment at our Ankara İncek clinic.

Call Now WhatsApp Ankara Dental Clinic

```

Paediatric Dentistry – Children’s Dentistry