Children's dentistry in Istanbul at our Bahçelievler clinic covers the care of baby teeth and young permanent teeth, from a child's first tooth to the teenage years. The aim is simple: prevent decay where possible, treat it early when it appears, and help your child feel at ease in the dental chair. This field is also called paediatric dentistry.
At a glance
- First visit: when the first tooth appears, or around the first birthday at the latest.
- Check-ups: usually every six months; more often for children at higher risk of decay.
- Preventive care: fluoride varnish and fissure sealants take minutes and usually need no anaesthetic.
- Fillings and pulpotomy: done under local anaesthetic; mild sensitivity afterwards is possible.
- Visits: treatment is split into short appointments that suit your child.
Children's dentistry in Istanbul: why baby teeth matter
Baby teeth have thinner enamel and relatively large nerve chambers, so decay can spread quickly. They are needed for chewing, speech and a healthy diet. They also hold space for the permanent teeth underneath. Losing a baby molar too early can let neighbouring teeth drift and lead to crowding later.
Untreated decay in baby teeth is one of the most common health conditions worldwide, according to global burden of disease research [1]. That is why prevention is at the heart of children's dentistry.
Your child's first visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first examination when the first tooth erupts and no later than 12 months of age [2]. If your family has recently moved to Istanbul, the first visit is also a good moment to bring any previous dental records you have.
- A gentle look at the teeth, gums and jaws
- A chat about feeding, bottles, dummies and snacks
- Brushing tips and the right amount of fluoride toothpaste
- An assessment of decay risk and a plan for check-ups
Prevention: fluoride varnish and fissure sealants
Fluoride varnish
Fluoride varnish is painted onto the teeth in a few minutes. It strengthens enamel and can help early decay to remineralise. A Cochrane review found that fluoride varnish substantially reduces decay in both baby and permanent teeth [3]. Depending on risk, it is typically repeated every three to six months.
Fissure sealants
The biting surfaces of back teeth have deep grooves that trap plaque. A sealant is a thin resin coating that closes these grooves. It is usually placed on the first permanent molars at around six years and the second molars at around twelve. No drilling is involved. Systematic reviews show that sealants reduce decay on these surfaces [4][5]. They are checked at each visit and topped up when worn.
Fillings, pulpotomy and space maintainers
Small cavities are cleaned and restored with tooth-coloured materials such as composite or glass ionomer. When decay reaches the nerve of a baby tooth, a pulpotomy may be suitable. Only the inflamed upper part of the nerve is removed and the healthy root pulp is kept. Biocompatible materials such as MTA have shown favourable results in a Cochrane review [6]. The tooth is then usually protected with a crown or a large filling. The principles are related to adult root canal treatment.
If a baby molar has to be removed early, a space maintainer may be advised. This small fixed or removable appliance holds the gap open until the permanent tooth arrives. Where crowding or jaw growth is a concern, we plan together with our orthodontics team.
Dental injuries: what to do
Falls and sports accidents often affect front teeth. The International Association of Dental Traumatology publishes guidance for these situations [7][8].
- Knocked-out permanent tooth: hold it by the crown, rinse briefly if dirty, and put it back if you can. Otherwise keep it in milk and come in straight away.
- Knocked-out baby tooth: do not put it back, as this can harm the permanent tooth below. An examination is still needed.
- Broken tooth: keep the fragment moist and bring it with you.
Who is it for?
Every child benefits from regular dental care. Please book sooner if you notice white or brown spots, pain, swelling, night-time bottle feeding with milk or juice, or prolonged thumb sucking. Children with medical conditions, special needs or strong dental anxiety need extra planning. If extensive treatment is not possible in the chair, referral for sedation or general anaesthesia may be discussed.
Children's dentistry in Istanbul step by step
- Meet and examine: your child gets to know the room and the dentist.
- Assess risk: diet, brushing and fluoride use are reviewed; X-rays are taken if needed.
- Prevent: fluoride varnish and sealants are applied where suitable.
- Plan: any fillings, pulpotomy or space maintainer are explained to you.
- Treat gradually: simpler steps first, in short visits.
- Review: regular check-ups, usually every six months.
Children are seen by our paediatric dentist. A definitive diagnosis and treatment plan are made by the dentist after the examination.
Risks and home care
After local anaesthetic, lips and cheeks stay numb for a while, so watch that your child does not bite them. Sealants can wear and space maintainers can loosen, which is why check-ups matter. At home, use a smear of fluoride toothpaste under three years and a pea-sized amount from three to six [2]. Help with brushing until around seven or eight, and keep sugary snacks and drinks to mealtimes. The background science is covered in standard textbooks [10].
Getting here from Bahçelievler and nearby
We are on Ferit Selimpaşa Caddesi, opposite Basın Sitesi Migros, about 600 m from İlkyuva station on the M3 metro. From Bakırköy (Marmaray) or İncirli (Metrobüs) you can change to the M3. Şirinevler, Yenibosna, Güngören and Haznedar are close by.
Frequently asked questions
When should my child first see a dentist?
When the first tooth appears, or by around 12 months of age. The first visit is short and mostly about getting to know each other. Starting early makes prevention easier.
Do baby teeth really need fillings?
Yes. Baby teeth are needed for chewing and speech and hold space for adult teeth. Untreated decay can cause pain, infection and problems for the tooth developing underneath.
Is fluoride varnish safe for young children?
The varnish is applied in a small, controlled amount by the dentist. Systematic reviews have found it effective in reducing decay. How often it is applied depends on your child's risk.
Do fissure sealants hurt?
Sealants need no drilling and no injection. The material simply coats the grooves of the back teeth. Most children tolerate it easily.
What if my child knocks out a tooth?
For a permanent tooth, hold it by the crown, replant it if possible or keep it in milk, and come in at once. Do not replant a baby tooth. In both cases, an early examination is important.
References
- Kassebaum NJ, Bernabé E, Dahiya M, Bhandari B, Murray CJ, Marcenes W. Global burden of untreated caries: a systematic review and metaregression. J Dent Res. 2015;94(5):650–658.
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Perinatal and infant oral health care; Fluoride therapy. In: The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry. Chicago, IL: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; 2023.
- Marinho VCC, Worthington HV, Walsh T, Clarkson JE. Fluoride varnishes for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(7):CD002279.
- Wright JT, Tampi MP, Graham L, et al. Sealants for preventing and arresting pit-and-fissure occlusal caries in primary and permanent molars: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. J Am Dent Assoc. 2016;147(8):631–645.
- Ahovuo-Saloranta A, Forss H, Walsh T, Nordblad A, Mäkelä M, Worthington HV. Pit and fissure sealants for preventing dental decay in permanent teeth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;(7):CD001830.
- Smaïl-Faugeron V, Glenny AM, Courson F, Durieux P, Muller-Bolla M, Fron Chabouis H. Pulp treatment for extensive decay in primary teeth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;(5):CD003220.
- Bourguignon C, Cohenca N, Lauridsen E, et al. International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries: 1. Fractures and luxations. Dent Traumatol. 2020;36(4):314–330.
- Day PF, Flores MT, O'Connell AC, et al. International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries: 3. Injuries in the primary dentition. Dent Traumatol. 2020;36(4):343–359.
- Hargreaves KM, Berman LH (eds). Cohen's Pathways of the Pulp, 11th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier; 2016.
- Dean JA (ed). McDonald and Avery's Dentistry for the Child and Adolescent, 10th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier; 2016.
Booking an appointment
To book children's dentistry in Istanbul – a first visit, a check-up or an appointment for a dental problem, please get in touch. Letting us know your child's age and the reason for the visit helps us plan the appointment.
- Address: Bahçelievler Merkez Mah. Ferit Selimpaşa Cd. No:44A, 34180 Bahçelievler / Istanbul (Basın Sitesi, opposite Migros)
- Phone: +90 544 289 66 33
- WhatsApp: +90 544 289 66 33 – you are welcome to write to us in English
- Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 10:00–21:00, closed on Sundays
Directions and further details are on our contact page.
Reviewed by the dentists of Yayla Dental Akademi. Last updated: October 2026
Medically reviewed by the dentists of Yayla Dental Akademi.