The most important advice a patient can receive is to maintain proper and regular oral hygiene. Oral hygiene is the key factor in maintaining oral health. Daily, correct care of the teeth and oral cavity is necessary to preserve the proper function of the chewing system.
Children are taught how to maintain oral hygiene from a young age, and the dentist plays a vital role in introducing this routine in a relaxed and pleasant manner. It is recommended that children be brought for their first dental visit within the first year of life to monitor the development of primary teeth and help the child become accustomed to visiting the clinic.
The first permanent teeth (the first molars) begin to erupt around the age of six. Through a simple sealing procedure, these teeth can be protected from future decay on the chewing surfaces. The process is very straightforward, and children usually accept it easily, positioning the dentist as a guide in protecting their teeth. Regular visits (at least every six months) allow potential cavities to be diagnosed early, making treatment easier.
Some orthodontic anomalies can be reduced or even completely prevented if they are identified during the growth and development of the dental arches and the transition from primary to permanent teeth. For this reason, in addition to regular visits to the dentist, it is essential to see an orthodontic specialist around the age of seven.
At this stage, the initial transition from primary to permanent teeth occurs, and the need for orthodontic guidance of the growth of dental arches and teeth with removable appliances can be anticipated. This does not exclude the future use of fixed orthodontic appliances, but it can significantly influence the duration of fixed treatment if it becomes necessary.