Oral health care for children during their growth and development

For each age group, it is necessary to take appropriate oral health care measures. I. Fetal age: It is recommended that parents begin to develop their child’s oral health care plan at this time. Discussions with prospective parents about their own oral health habits and their role in modeling them for their children will help promote the oral health of both parents and children. Second, infancy (0-1 year): It is very important to start some basic oral health measures for your child in the first year of life. Such as alveolar massage, the use of finger toothbrush, etc. It is best to have your child’s first oral examination during this time. It is generally recommended that your child’s first dental examination should take place at approximately the time the first tooth erupts or at the latest within 12 months of your child’s age, however, in case your child has special dental needs such as trauma, etc., he or she should be seen immediately. Third, early childhood (1-3 years): This is the time when brushing is advocated to begin to remove plaque. Around the age of 3, fluoride-free toothpaste can be started, and only a small pea size is sufficient. This process of brushing is still mainly done by parents, and flossing is recommended at this time, although flossing needs to be done under guidance. Fourth, preschool (3-6 years old): Children are at a stage where their brushing ability has improved significantly, but parents are still the primary providers of oral hygiene care. Although many parents feel that their children are capable enough to brush their own teeth, it is important to emphasize that parents must continue to brush their children’s teeth. A pea-sized amount of toothpaste for each brush is sufficient, and if fluoride toothpaste is used, it must be under close parental supervision to prevent accidental swallowing by the child. At this age, it is recommended that flossing can be started. V. School age group (6-12 years old): The distinctive sign of this period is the child’s increased sense of responsibility. Although the child has a greater responsibility to perform oral health care on his or her own, parental involvement is still necessary. However, in place of parental oral hygiene care there is a shift to active supervision. The use of fluoride toothpaste is a must during this period. With the increase in early malocclusion treatment, children in this age group experience more dental treatment and with that comes an increased risk of caries and periodontal disease, so special attention needs to be given to oral hygiene care for these children. It is recommended to increase the frequency and extent of brushing and flossing. VI. Adolescence (12-18 years old): When adolescents have sufficient oral health care ability, whether they consciously perform oral health care becomes the main issue in this age group. In addition, poor dietary habits and hormonal changes during adolescence increase the risk of caries and gingival inflammation in adolescents. Therefore, it is very important that dental staff and parents continue to help and guide adolescents through this difficult period. Increasing adolescents’ knowledge about plaque and oral disease prevention and requiring their active participation will help motivate adolescents to develop good oral hygiene habits.