Healthy gums do not bleed spontaneously or during brushing/flossing, are light pink in color, firm in texture, not swollen, and have a sharp, knife-edge appearance where they taper off against the tooth surface.

It is recommended to use a mouthguard to prevent the child from biting their tongue or cheek, to avoid the teeth from clashing together, and to absorb the impact of any blows to the teeth during sports activities.

If a child’s tooth is broken in any way, it is important to visit the dentist as soon as possible. Having the broken piece may be beneficial for treatment because, depending on the shape and size of the break, the dentist may choose to reattach the broken part. If the tooth is completely knocked out due to impact, it must be stored under proper conditions and delivered to the dentist within 1 hour at the latest. To do this, rinse the tooth under slowly running water without touching the root, then store it in milk or saline solution. If neither milk nor saline is available, saliva is also an appropriate environment for storing the tooth. The tooth can be kept in the child's mouth, in the space between the cheek and teeth, or in a cup filled with the child’s saliva. In any case, reaching the dentist as soon as possible is crucial for the success of the treatment.

Even if no orthodontic problem is visible, it is recommended to have the first examination around the age of 7-8 for preventive purposes. Some early interventions can prevent the development of major orthodontic issues in the future.

Compared to other dental treatments, orthodontic treatment takes longer. Although the duration varies depending on the complexity of the treatment, an average orthodontic treatment can last between 12-24 months. One of the most important factors affecting the treatment duration is patient compliance.

After every orthodontic treatment, teeth tend to return to their pre-treatment positions. To prevent this, we apply a procedure called retention therapy. If the patient cooperates by using the retention devices and attending follow-up appointments, highly lasting results can be achieved.

Orthodontic treatment is a process that requires continuity and regular follow-ups. During the treatment, it is necessary to attend check-up appointments approximately every 4-8 weeks.

The appliances used can vary depending on the patient's needs and preferences. Removable devices are often used, especially in early orthodontic treatments. Fixed appliances, such as metal or ceramic brackets and wires, can also be used. Additionally, clear aligners offer solutions for many issues for individuals seeking a more aesthetic option.

Orthodontic treatment is not difficult. However, the first few days of treatment may require some patience to get used to the appliances. Since it is a long treatment process, patient cooperation is essential.

Root canal treatment is a procedure performed when the tissue inside the tooth root, commonly known as the "tooth nerve," is damaged or infected. The process involves removing the "tooth nerve" tissue, cleaning the root canal, and then filling the canal.

Root canal treatment is most commonly needed due to untreated cavities. Additionally, it may be required if the tooth nerve is damaged due to trauma or in the presence of advanced gum disease.

Root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia, numbing the tooth, so it is not a painful procedure. However, in some cases where the tooth is infected, numbing can be more difficult. In such situations, different techniques are used to anesthetize the tooth.

After the treatment, there may be mild pain and sensitivity, especially during chewing, for the first few weeks.

Root canal treatment can be completed in one or several sessions, depending on the condition of the tooth. Uncomplicated treatments can often be finished in a single session.

For the restoration of a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment, options such as composite fillings, ceramic fillings, or ceramic crowns are available, depending on the size of the decayed area.

In the first stage of treatment, plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth, which cause the disease, are professionally removed using special instruments. The patient is also provided with personalized oral hygiene education to improve oral care habits. For simple gum inflammation (gingivitis), this treatment alone may be sufficient. In more severe infections, periodontal surgical procedures are performed under local anesthesia to treat inflamed, enlarged, or receded gums, as well as the 'pockets' formed between the teeth and gums due to bone loss. If necessary, additional biomaterials such as bone grafts and membranes, or tissues taken from the patient, are used. After these procedures, patients are monitored at regular intervals to support their gum health. Regular check-ups are an integral part of maintaining the continuity of periodontal treatment.

When the soft bacterial layer known as microbial dental plaque accumulates on tooth surfaces and is not removed through routine oral care, disease-causing bacteria begin to multiply. These bacteria, along with certain substances they produce, lead to inflammation in the gums and the erosion of the jawbone surrounding the teeth. If microbial dental plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar, and because tartar has a rough surface, it causes more plaque to accumulate, accelerating the progression of gum disease. Similarly, improperly fitted dentures, uncleaned orthodontic appliances, untreated cavities, broken teeth or dentures, and overhanging or insufficient fillings can all facilitate the accumulation of microbial dental plaque, paving the way for gum diseases. Additionally, factors such as smoking, diseases like diabetes, and genetic predisposition increase the risk of developing gum disease.

Gum diseases largely do not cause pain. For this reason, it is recommended that individuals do not skip dental check-ups even if they have no complaints. Gum diseases begin with gum inflammation (gingivitis) and, if left untreated, can progress to severe infections (periodontitis), where the jawbones erode, and the teeth become loose and are eventually lost. The first sign of gum disease is gum bleeding, and other symptoms may include swelling, redness, or recession of the gums. However, in individuals who smoke heavily, bleeding may not occur even if advanced gum disease is present. As gum inflammation progresses, other symptoms such as tooth elongation, bad breath, tooth shifting, gaps between teeth, and eventually tooth loss can occur. When gum bleeding, one of the most important and early symptoms of gum disease, is observed, a visit to the dentist is essential.

Babies typically begin teething between 6-10 months. The order of tooth eruption usually starts with the lower central incisors, followed by the upper central incisors, upper lateral incisors, lower lateral incisors, upper first molars, lower first molars, upper canines, lower canines, lower second molars, and finally, the upper second molars. Common symptoms such as diarrhea/constipation, vomiting, nausea, coughing, and mild fever observed during teething are often coincidental rather than directly related to teething. However, due to redness, swelling, itching, and pain in the gums at the site of the emerging tooth, the baby may become irritable, experience a loss of appetite, and have trouble sleeping. This general discomfort can weaken the baby's immune system, making them more susceptible to infections. Once the tooth emerges, these symptoms usually subside. If the baby is in significant discomfort, applying a local pain-relief ointment 3-4 times a day can provide temporary relief. Teething toys that allow babies to rub their gums can also help soothe the itch. Liquid-filled teething toys that can be cooled in the freezer may also provide relief due to the cooling effect. If a fever is present, fever-reducing medications (except aspirin) can be given.

Children should visit the dentist before their first birthday, after their first teeth erupt. During this early examination, pediatric dentists provide parents with information about oral and dental hygiene, pacifier and bottle use, and nutrition habits, explaining how to prevent tooth decay. They also check for habits that may affect jaw and facial development, such as thumb sucking and mouth breathing, and recommend necessary measures to correct them.

Children can start brushing their teeth after all their baby teeth have erupted. This age range also coincides with a time when their motor skills are developing, allowing them to hold the toothbrush properly. For younger children in the preschool period, the focus should not be on teaching the correct brushing technique but rather on instilling the habit of brushing their teeth. Therefore, it doesn’t matter how they brush; even just rubbing the toothbrush on their teeth is sufficient.

Due to the risk of swallowing, fluoride-free toothpaste should be used until the child develops the ability to rinse and spit. However, since fluoride-free toothpaste does not prevent cavities, fluoride toothpaste may be necessary for children with a high risk of tooth decay. In such cases, the amount of toothpaste should be no more than the size of a grain of rice. After the age of 3, if the child can rinse and spit, fluoride toothpaste can be used, but the amount should not exceed the size of a pea. Flossing can be introduced after the eruption of the 6-year molars. It's important to seek guidance from a dentist on how to use floss properly.

Not only sugar, but all carbohydrate-rich foods that are soft and easily stick to teeth can cause cavities. However, the frequency of consuming carbohydrate-rich foods has a greater effect on cavity formation than the amount consumed. For this reason, frequent snacking on carbohydrate-based foods between meals increases the risk of cavities. Instead of completely restricting children from eating chocolate, cakes, pastries, or candy, it is more appropriate to teach them to brush their teeth after consuming these foods. If brushing isn't possible, rinsing the mouth with water or drinking a glass of water after eating can help clean off food particles that stick to the teeth.