According to studies conducted by the Ministry of Health, the prevalence of caries among children aged 2 to 18 years was examined. The data shows that caries is observed in 79-100% of children aged 2 to 6 years, and by the age of 18, its prevalence reaches 94.8%.
In an interview with AKIpress, pediatric dentist Aytursun Myrzakarimova shared information about common problems in children, when to first visit a doctor, and how to avoid complications.
- What is the scale of dental problems in children?
- According to our observations, caries is found in about 90% of children who come for a check-up. This figure is very high and indicates insufficient prevention.
- What are the main steps for preventing dental diseases?
- First of all, I strongly recommend that parents ensure regular oral hygiene for their children. It is also important to visit the dentist every six months.
Despite this, many still believe that milk teeth do not require treatment. This mistaken belief can lead to serious problems.
- What is the importance of milk teeth if they will fall out anyway?
- Milk teeth play a critically important role in forming the correct bite and the eruption of permanent teeth.
Most often, we see children aged 3 to 6 years with already developed complications, such as pulpitis and periodontitis, because parents did not notice caries at early stages.
As a result, sometimes teeth have to be removed, which causes shifting of permanent teeth and may require orthodontic treatment in the future.
- What dental problems are most common?
- In our practice, we mainly encounter complicated forms of caries. Periodontitis often ends with tooth extractions. We also observe a low level of oral hygiene. Many parents do not know that permanent teeth begin to erupt at age 6 and come in with already carious or pulpitis-affected permanent teeth, wondering why this is happening.
We always emphasize the need for preventive check-ups starting from age 5-6 for sealing fissures and protecting permanent teeth from caries.
- When should a child first visit the dentist?
- The first visit to the dentist should occur when the first teeth appear, which usually happens at 6-7 months. At this stage, it is important to assess the growth and eruption of teeth, as well as to monitor their condition.
- How does the formation of teeth and bite occur?
- Each tooth has its own eruption timeline. The first milk incisors appear around 6 months, and by 2 years, the milk bite is formed. It is important not to wait for the child to start taking care of their teeth on their own, but to begin hygiene immediately after the first teeth appear, even if it is just careful cleaning with a cotton pad.
- At what age should tooth brushing start?
- Tooth brushing should start as soon as the first teeth erupt. Gradually, the child should be accustomed to this process.
Yes, at first, children may resist, but if oral care is ignored, it can lead to the development of caries.
- How to choose oral hygiene products for children?
- It depends on the age. Until 2 years, careful cleaning is necessary, without using toothpaste. For children aged 2 to 5 years, toothpaste with a safe concentration of fluoride can be used. From age 6, when permanent teeth begin to erupt, it is necessary to switch to medium-hard toothbrushes and adult toothpaste.
Many parents do not know this and continue to use children's brushes, which are no longer effective.
- What preventive methods are used today in pediatric dentistry?
- In our practice, we use application gels, fissure sealing, and other preventive methods. However, I do not recommend that parents use such products independently without a prior examination by a specialist.
Caries is a disease, and before any prevention, it is important to assess its stage and the overall condition of the child's teeth.
- How to manage children's consumption of sweets?
- It is impossible to completely exclude sweets, especially on holidays. But there are simple measures for prevention. After consuming sweets, it is enough to rinse the mouth with water. And, of course, morning and evening tooth brushing is mandatory.
Remember that prevention is always easier and safer than treating complications. Regular check-ups, proper hygiene, and parental awareness will help avoid most dental problems in children.
