Children learn by example, and this includes good oral care habits. — 123rf.com
Human beings have only two sets of teeth to last them a lifetime, yet oral care is still a neglected part in the daily routine of many. Daily brushing, flossing and regular check-up are the cornerstone of good oral health, but not everyone does all three.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) in its Global Oral Health Status Report last year estimated that oral diseases affect close to 3.5 billion people worldwide, with three out of four people affected living in middle income countries.
There are an estimated 2 billion people who suffer from caries of permanent teeth. Some 514 million children suffer from caries of primary teeth.
In Malaysia, a nationwide survey called the National Oral Health Survey of Preschool Children done by the Ministry of Health in 2017, found about 72% of five-year-old have caries.
The survey also reported that 99.8% 12-year-old schoolchildren need at least one type of oral healthcare and oral hygiene instructions.
The findings are not surprising. Children emulate what they see, so for them to pick up good teeth and gums habits, parents and caregivers must show good examples.
Nursery owner Haslini Hasnul, 29 understands that good oral care practices should start in toddlerhood, so at her Sungai Buloh nursery, she makes “Brush your teeth” a familiar children’s nursery rhyme for all 18 children under her care.
The song repeats the phrase “brush your teeth” at every line. It has become somewhat an anthem for the nursery’s daily toothbrushing activity.
“On top of this, we hold a fun activity related to dental care at least once a month. We take oral health seriously,” says Haslini, whose nursery takes care of toddlers between the ages of two and four.
Dentist Dr Kayla Teh says the occurrence of oral diseases is shaped by the abilities and perspectives of parents on oral cleanliness.
“It is generally accepted that there is a correlation between parents’ oral health awareness, attitude and practices and the children’s oral health status,” says Dr Teh.
“Parents play a significant role in setting positive examples for oral health in their children,” she stresses.
Teh says there is a correlation between parents’ oral health awareness, attitude and practices and their children’s oral health. — Systema
Start them young
At home, Haslini takes a different approach in instilling good dental practices on her two-year-old son, Muhammad Uwais Muhammad Asyraf.
“I tell him we need teeth to chew food and humans need to eat to stay alive; therefore strong and healthy teeth are important,” says Haslini who also has a daughter, Nur Umaira, one.
While she teaches Muhammad Uwais the correct way to brush his teeth at the nursery, at home, she injects fun elements to the child’s daily routine.
“I get him a fun light-up toothbrush with one of his favourite cartoon characters and add some music during tooth-brushing,” Haslini says.
Haslini (left) makes tooth brushing fun for son Muhammad Uwais. — HASLINI HASNUL
Of course, she adds, getting a toothpaste suitable for the kid’s age and needs is crucial too.
Like her firstborn, Haslini has slowly started the tooth brushing routine with her daughter.
“It is good to start early so when children are older, the habit is already ingrained and they will automatically do it daily,” says Haslini who practises strict personal dental care that involves brushing, flossing and the use of mouthwash, with regular dentist visits for check-up and scaling.
“For me it is very important not only to have healthy teeth and gums but also to have the comfort and confidence when I am out to socialise with others,” she adds.
Lead by example
Mother of four girls aged between seven and 12 years old Joanne Evelyn says she has long passed the teeth-brushing-is-fun chapter in her parental duties.
“When they were much younger, I supervised them when they brushed their teeth to ensure they cleaned all areas of their mouth properly. But now, I just remind them,” says the senior accounts executive in a law firm in Johor Baru.
Since the girls are already capable of understanding explanation and reasons, Joanne takes a more educational approach.
“I teach and educate them about general dental oral care and its importance, and lead by example,” she adds.
Joanne says she makes sure her girls know her dental routine – brushing twice a day, flossing daily, regular dentist visits and eating a balanced diet.
“Yes, there are times I have to nag them about brushing their teeth at night just to make sure they maintain good oral health habits,” she adds.
Joella Eva, seven putting on her beautiful toothy smile. —Photos: JOANNE EVELYN
While the girls are well on their way on brushing and flossing, they have their mother watching over their diet.
“As much as I can, I want them to take nutritious foods while limiting sugary treats such as chocolate and sweets and drinking more water,” Joanne says.
Teh agrees that maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for children’s oral health, as this promotes the growth and preserves robust teeth and gums,”
“Substandard nutrition, coupled with excessive intake of sugary food and drinks can lead to dental issues like cavities and periodontal disease in children. The bacteria present in the oral cavity metabolises sugars and generates acids, which subsequently break down the tooth’s protective enamel layer, resulting in tooth decay,”
