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Oral Health Guidelines for Children

PREVENTION IS THE BEST TREATMENT

Effective Oral Health Prevention:
6 Simple Steps for Children

Prevention is the foundation for healthy teeth and a beautiful smile throughout life. With simple daily habits, we can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, helping our children—and ourselves—maintain better oral health.

  1. Proper and Regular Brushing

Prevention starts with brushing the teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

  • For young children, parents should help and supervise brushing until approximately 7–8 years of age.
  • The amount of toothpaste should be appropriate for the child’s age: a very small amount for infants, a pea-sized amount for children aged 2–6, and approximately half the length of the toothbrush head for older children.
  1. Limiting Sugar

Frequent consumption of foods and drinks containing sugar increases the risk of tooth decay.

  • Check food labels for hidden sources of sugar.
  • Choose balanced meals and healthy snacks instead of frequent sweets and sugary snacks.
  1. Fluoride Use

Fluoride treatment involves applying fluoride to the teeth to help protect them against tooth decay. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acids and helping protect teeth from cavities.

  • Fluoride can be professionally applied by the dentist in the form of a gel, while fluoride toothpaste is used at home.
  • After the age of 6, a fluoride mouthwash may also be recommended when appropriate.
  1. Preventive Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a modern and effective preventive method against tooth decay, particularly for children and teenagers.

They are a thin, clear or white resin material applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars), where brushing can be more difficult and food particles and bacteria can accumulate more easily.

The procedure is quick, painless and does not require drilling or anesthesia.

  1. Regular Dental Visits

A child’s first dental visit should take place when the first tooth appears.

  • Regular check-ups help prevent problems and allow any dental issues to be detected and treated at an early stage.
  • The dentist helps parents and children develop and maintain proper oral hygiene habits.
  1. Protection Against Dental Injuries

Children, particularly during their early years and while participating in sports, are at risk of dental injuries.

  • The use of protective mouthguards during sports can significantly reduce the risk of dental trauma.
  • In the event of a dental injury, contact your dentist promptly.
BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT!

Don’t neglect your regular dental check-ups every 6 months!

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