Oral Health in Children

Author: Advanced Hygienist Naz

Oral Health in children is an important aspect of a child’s overall health. Tooth decay is largely preventable, yet it remains a serious problem. Public Health England data shows that in 2015, a quarter of 5-year-olds experienced tooth decay in England, and the vast majority went untreated.

A 2013 national survey found that only a quarter of children benefited from having their teeth brushed before they were 6 months of age, whereas about 50% had commenced between 6 months and one year of age. Overall, about 90% of children (aged 5 to 8 years) are reported as having started toothbrushing by 2 years of age. Overall, 77% of 12-year-olds and 81% of 15-year-olds reported that they brushed their teeth twice daily or more. 

For caries prevention, it is the application of fluoride in toothpaste that is the most important aspect of brushing, as fluoride helps prevent, control, and arrest caries. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps prevent tooth decay and may also help bones grow and stay strong. Around 10% of the population of the United Kingdom receives fluoridated water only. Higher concentration of fluoride in toothpaste leads to better caries control. Family or standard fluoride toothpaste at 1,350 to 1,500 parts per million fluoride (ppmF) is recommended.

Early introduction to the habit of toothbrushing is important. Parents should brush their children’s teeth as soon as they erupt. From 3 to 6 years of age, there is a transition with the child and adult both brushing. Adult involvement ensures the correct amount of toothpaste is used, enables them to prevent children eating or licking toothpaste from the tube and that all teeth are brushed thoroughly. From 7 years of age, many children can brush their own teeth but will still require prompting, supervision, and motivation. Parents may still need to provide help with toothbrushing for some children, depending on risk and capability.

Prospective cohort studies conducted in children and adolescents indicate that higher consumption (that is, the amount) of sugars, sugar-containing foods and sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with a greater risk of dental caries in the deciduous and permanent dentitions.

Every child who has teeth is at risk of tooth decay, but the risk increases for children who are more likely to be eating a poor diet that is high in sugar.

We should advise and educate the parents, they should limit the amount of free sugars children eat or drink, as well as how often they consume them. This can help to avoid tooth decay. As well as limiting the amount of free sugars children eat or drink, we should also make sure that they only have food or drinks that contain sugar at mealtimes. This is because, the more often their teeth come into contact with sugar, the more likely they will be to get tooth decay. Children should avoid food and drinks containing free sugars before bedtime and overnight.

Water and milk are the only safe drinks to give children in regard to their oral health. Fruit juices and smoothies should not form part of a young child’s daily diet.

Children should go to the dentist when they get their first tooth or from 1 year old, whichever comes first. Through regular hygiene appointments, can develop healthy habits for long-term oral health.