Pedodontics, a word of Latin origin, means “children’s teeth”. In dentistry, the branch of pedodontics is concerned with the protection and treatment of primary teeth and permanent teeth, starting from birth to the age of 12-13, when all of the primary teeth are replace by permanent teeth.

There are 20 primary teeth in total. The primary task of primary teeth is to provide nutrition to the child.  In addition, the proper development of speech skill also depends on the presence of primary teeth. Primary teeth protect the area they cover for the permanent teeth that will replace them and guide the permanent teeth while they are growing. When a primary tooth is pulled out early, this natural place-holding function will be eliminated. The primary aim of pediatric dentistry is to take measures to prevent dental problems and to guide children to a caries-free future. The procedures applied for this purpose are called ‘Protective Dentistry Practices’.