“Tooth brushing in children should be done with parents”

Altınbaş University Department of Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Sabiha Ceren İlisulu stated that tooth brushing is not only a habit but also an activity that requires fine motor skills in children, and according to the recommendations of the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (EAPD), children should be supported by parents or caregivers during tooth brushing until the age of 7. İlisulu said, “During the brushing process, a soft bristle brush should be preferred, all surfaces of the teeth should be cleaned with circular movements for at least two minutes.”

Oral and dental health, which is an integral part of an individual's general health, is an important health area that directly affects the quality of life. Oral care habits acquired especially during childhood form the basis of having healthy teeth in the future. Altınbaş University Department of Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Lecturer. Member Sabiha Ceren İlisulu talked about oral and dental care in children as April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day approaches.

Why is oral and dental care important in children?

Stating that dental caries is among the most common chronic diseases in children, Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Sabiha Ceren İlisulu stated that dental caries can be largely prevented with measures to be taken at an early age. “For this reason, parents should attach importance to their children's oral and dental care from an early age, and they should give their children the habit of brushing their teeth. Individuals who do not acquire the habit of oral and dental care at an early age will find it difficult to acquire this habit at an advanced age and their oral and dental health may be negatively affected in the future.” İlsulu continued by saying that the growth and development process of children may be negatively affected in cases of loss of material in the teeth, pain and early tooth loss.

Cleanliness is essential from infancy

According to International Pediatric Dentistry, oral and dental care should begin as soon as the first baby tooth erupts (usually 6-10 months). During this period, babies' teeth should be gently cleaned with specially designed finger brushes, gauze or a clean cheesecloth. Paying attention to oral hygiene, especially after breastfeeding or bottle feeding, is of great importance in terms of preventing cavities that may occur in the future.

Prof. Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Sabiha Ceren İlisulu emphasized that it is important for all children to brush their teeth twice a day with an age-appropriate amount of toothpaste containing fluoride (at least 1000 ppm) and said, “In children under 3 years of age, the paste should be used in the form of a swab, in children between 3-6 years of age, in the size of a pea, and in children over 6 years of age, the same amount of toothpaste should be used as adults.”

Parental support is essential in tooth brushing habits

Stating that tooth brushing is not only a habit but also an activity that requires fine motor skills in children, İlisulu pointed out that parental support is critical for this reason. According to the recommendations of the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (EAPD), children should be supported by parents or caregivers during tooth brushing until the age of 7. During the brushing process, a soft-bristled brush should be preferred and all surfaces of the teeth should be cleaned with circular movements for at least two minutes.

Things to consider when using mouthwash and dental floss

The use of mouthwash is not recommended for children under the age of six, as there is a risk of swallowing mouthwash in this age group. Children over the age of six can safely use fluoride-containing mouthwashes under parental supervision. On the other hand, tooth brushing alone may not completely clean the contact surfaces between the teeth. For this reason, İlisulu stated that children should gain the habit of flossing every day with the eruption of milk molars, and that flossing once a day, preferably with brushing in the evening, will make a great contribution to oral health.

Regular dental check-ups: Step to a healthy future

Prof. Dr. Lecturer. Prof. İlisulu emphasized that dentist checks, which start with the eruption of the first tooth, play a critical role in terms of children's oral health and preventing fear of dentists. With regular check-ups every six months, caries can be detected early and the necessary preventive treatments (e.g. fissure sealants or fluoride application) can be carried out in a timely manner.

Healthy teeth are the foundation of a healthy life

As Altınbaş University, we strongly emphasize that the protection of children's oral and dental health is not only limited to health, but also has positive effects in many areas from social life to psychological development. Parents' conscious and sensitive behavior in this regard will make a significant contribution to raising children as healthy individuals.