Child Oral and Dental Health

Oral and dental health in children is considered one of the fundamental pillars of public health and healthy development. Numerous studies have confirmed that oral diseases in childhood, particularly dental caries, are among the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide among children. Early neglect of dental health does not only affect the mouth, but also extends to impact nutrition, physical growth, psychological development, and academic performance.

Beginning of Oral Care for the Child
Recent guidelines indicate that oral care should begin from birth, as it is recommended to gently clean the gums after feeding using a moistened piece of gauze. With the eruption of the first primary tooth, which usually occurs at around 6 months of age, brushing should begin using a soft toothbrush and a toothpaste containing fluoride in an amount appropriate for the child’s age.
Studies have shown that early initiation of tooth cleaning significantly reduces the risk of Early Childhood Caries.

Functional and Biological Importance of Primary Teeth
Primary teeth play a central role in:
1. Proper chewing and digestion.
2. Development of correct speech and pronunciation.
3. Maintaining the space necessary for the eruption of permanent teeth.
4. Normal growth of the jaws.
Untreated caries in primary teeth may lead to pulpal infections and dental abscesses, and the infection may spread to the developing permanent tooth buds, causing structural deformities or eruption disturbances.

Dental Caries in Children
Causes and Mechanism
Dental caries develops as a result of a complex interaction between:
1. Caries-causing bacteria, particularly Streptococcus mutans.
2. Fermentable sugars.
3. Time factor.
4. Tooth susceptibility.
Common predisposing factors include:
1. Frequent nighttime feeding without oral cleaning.
2. Prolonged use of feeding bottles or sweetened juices.
3. Poor dietary habits.
4. Inadequate oral hygiene.
5. Lack of regular follow-up with a dentist.

Prevention: The Cornerstone of Child Dental Health
Global scientific organizations emphasize that prevention is the most effective approach and includes:
1. Brushing teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste at an age-appropriate concentration.
2. Parental supervision of brushing until the age of 7–8 years.
3. Reducing sugar consumption, especially between meals.
4. Encouraging water intake.
5. Application of topical fluoride and pit and fissure sealants when needed.
6. Regular dental check-ups every 6 months.

The First Dental Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that the first dental visit take place at the eruption of the first tooth or before the child reaches one year of age. This visit aims to:
1. Early identification of risk factors.
2. Guiding parents on proper oral care.
3. Building a positive relationship between the child and the dentist.

Role of Parents and Health Education
Parents play the most important role in shaping a child’s healthy behavior. Studies have shown that children who grow up in an environment that encourages oral hygiene enjoy better oral health and lower rates of dental caries. Using encouragement rather than fear-based approaches toward dental clinics also helps reduce anxiety and fear in children.

Role of the International Health Organization
The International Health Organization (IHO) plays a pivotal role in promoting oral and dental health among children by supporting preventive health policies, raising community awareness about the importance of early oral care, and encouraging educational and training programs for parents and professionals. The organization also seeks to collaborate with health and educational institutions to establish international standards that contribute to reducing the prevalence of oral diseases in children and to reinforcing prevention as a long-term health investment that ensures healthier generations and safer smiles.

Investing in a child’s dental health from the early years is an investment in their future health. Early prevention, health education, and regular follow-up form the foundation for a lifelong healthy smile, free from pain and complications.

Prepared by:
Dr. Adham Ahmad Farroukh
Dentist – Specialist in Microscopic Endodontics

References
1. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD).
2. World Health Organization (WHO).
3. Fejerskov O, Kidd E. Dental Caries.
4. Nowak AJ et al. Pediatric Dentistry.
5. Berkowitz RJ. Mutans streptococci.
6. Dye BA et al. Journal of Dental Research.