According to data from the Ministry of Health, a study on the prevalence of caries among children aged 2 to 18 showed that 79-100% of children aged 2 to 6 suffer from caries, and by the age of 18, this figure reaches 94.8%.
In an interview with pediatric dentist Aytursun Myrzakarimova, we discussed the common problems children face, when to first take a child to the dentist, and how to prevent the development of complications.
- What is the prevalence of dental problems among children?
- Observations show that about 90% of children who come for a visit have caries. It can be at various stages—from initial to complicated—but in any case, it is present. This is a worrying indicator, pointing to insufficient prevention.
- Where should prevention start?
- First and foremost, I recommend maintaining regular oral hygiene at home. It is also extremely important to visit the dentist every six months.
Unfortunately, many parents still believe that milk teeth do not require treatment since they will fall out anyway. This is a serious misconception that can lead to sad consequences.
- What is the function of milk teeth if they are temporary?
- Milk teeth play an important role in forming the correct bite and ensuring the normal eruption of permanent teeth.
The most frequent visits we receive are from children aged 3 to 6 who already have complications such as pulpitis and periodontitis because parents did not notice caries at early stages.
In many cases, the tooth needs to be removed, which leads to the shifting of permanent teeth and bite disorders, and subsequently to orthodontic treatment.
- What problems are most commonly encountered?
- In practice, we encounter complicated forms of caries, and periodontitis often ends with tooth extractions.
We also observe poor oral hygiene in many children. Many parents do not understand that permanent teeth begin to erupt at 6 years old and come for a visit with caries in milk or even permanent teeth, surprised: “Why is this happening? It’s a milk tooth; it should fall out.”
We always emphasize the need for a preventive examination at the age of 5-6 years to, for example, seal fissures and protect permanent teeth from caries.
- When should a child first be taken to the dentist?
- The first visit to the dentist should occur when the first teeth erupt, that is, at the age of 6-7 months.
At this stage, we can assess the correctness of tooth growth and the absence of eruption disorders. From this moment on, the child needs regular monitoring by a dentist.
- How are teeth and bite formed?
- Each tooth has its own eruption timeline. The first milk incisors appear at about 6 months, and then the milk bite is formed, which usually completes by the age of 2.
It is important not to wait for the child to start taking care of their teeth on their own. Hygiene should begin immediately after the first teeth appear, even if it is just careful cleaning with a cotton pad.
- From what age should teeth be brushed?
- From the moment the first teeth erupt. The process should be gradual, getting the child used to hygiene.
Yes, at first, children may resist, cry, and not want to brush their teeth. However, if brushing is skipped, it forms a habit of neglecting hygiene, which directly affects the development of caries.
- How to choose hygiene products for a child?
- It depends on the age. Up to 2 years—careful cleaning, special finger attachments without paste.
From 2 to 5 years—safe fluoride toothpaste can be used to reduce the risk of caries.
From 6 years, when permanent teeth begin to erupt, one should switch to medium-hard toothbrushes and adult toothpaste.
Many parents are unaware of this and continue to use children's brushes, which become ineffective for permanent teeth.
- What preventive methods are available today?
- In pediatric dentistry, application gels, fissure sealing, and other preventive methods are used. However, I do not recommend parents use such means without a prior examination by a doctor.
Caries is a disease, and before any preventive measures, it is necessary to assess its stage and the overall condition of the child's teeth.
- How to deal with children's consumption of sweets during holidays and in everyday life?
- It is impossible to completely exclude sweets from a child's diet, especially during holidays. However, there are simple and effective preventive measures.
After consuming sweets or sugary drinks—soda, chocolate, marmalade—it is sufficient to rinse the mouth with water.
And, of course, brushing teeth in the morning and evening should be mandatory.
It is important to understand that preventive measures are always easier, cheaper, and safer than treating complications. Regular check-ups, proper hygiene, and parental awareness can prevent many dental problems in children.
