Oral Health dr gulala

Introduction to Healthy Dental and Oral Behavior

• Guidance for healthy dental and oral behavior provides advice and support to promote proper habits for oral health and hygiene, preventing dental diseases.

Early Childhood Caries (ECC)

• Early childhood caries, also known as baby bottle tooth decay, affects young children's teeth.
• It's caused by prolonged exposure to sugary liquids (like milk or juice).
• ECC is a preventable oral disease but prevalent worldwide.

Aim of Pediatric Dentistry

• Pediatric dentistry aims to achieve high oral health quality of life (OHRQoL) by preventing ECC through a healthy dentition, via working prevention of ECC.

Theories for Learning

• Social Cognitive Theory (SCT): Children learn by observing and imitating others' behaviors. Positive role models and proper dental care techniques help develop good oral hygiene. Learning requires emotional connection with the model, the learner must be strengthened to show the adopted behavior, the behavior must be attainable, and model behavior must be successful.
• Behaviorism: This theory highlights learning through reinforcement, shaping, and modeling. Positive reinforcement helps children develop good habits and overcome fears associated with dental visits, creating a positive and supportive environment.
• Cognitivism: This theory emphasizes the role of thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions in shaping behavior. Educating children about the benefits of good oral hygiene fosters a positive mindset toward dental care.
• Constructivism: Individuals actively construct their knowledge and understanding through experiences. Hands-on activities help children develop a deeper understanding of oral health and take ownership of their dental care.

Sensory Perception and Learning

• Not all information received is retained or processed for behavioral change. Capacity is limited, and quality & importance of information, along with how it is received, greatly influence retention.
• Different modes of intake (doing it yourself, explaining to someone else, listening and seeing, seeing, hearing) influence retention, with doing it yourself retaining the most and hearing retaining the least.

Levels of Prevention of Early Childhood Caries

• Targeting different levels (individual, community, policy) is critical for a comprehensive approach to pediatric dental care.

Individual Level

• Educate parents about the importance of oral health and ECC prevention strategies. Regular dental check-ups for children are essential.
• First dental visit for young children is recommended by their first birthday or six months after the first teeth erupt. Promote good oral hygiene practices (brushing techniques, use of fluoride toothpaste, flossing).
• Encourage a balanced diet (limiting sugary foods and drinks). Fluoride toothpaste's use should begin with the first tooth erupting.

Community Level

• Educational materials and workshops are essential to increase awareness of ECC prevention and oral health for parents and caregivers.
• Partners with schools and daycare centers to incorporate oral health education into existing curriculums.
• Community programs can organize sealant clinics to reach children without access to regular dental care.

Policy Level

• Policy support is essential for early childhood caries prevention efforts and access to affordable dental care for children.
• Effective policies and programs are critical and require collaboration between oral health professionals, policymakers, and communities.
• Guidelines for optimal fluoride levels in community water fluoridation should be implemented.

Benefits of Multilevel Prevention

• Reducing the incidence and severity of early childhood caries (ECC).
• Improving oral health outcomes in children.
• Improving overall well-being and quality of life.
• Emphasize regular dental check-ups and preventive measures.

Conclusion

• Prevention plays a key role in early childhood caries.
• Implementing multilevel prevention strategies can effectively reduce the prevalence of ECC and improve the oral health of children.
• Collaborative effort from individuals, families, communities, and policymakers is critical to creating a supportive environment for oral health promotion and prevention.

Daily Oral Hygiene Practices

• Brushing: Proper brushing techniques, soft-bristled toothbrushes, and fluoride toothpaste are essential. Brush twice a day for two minutes each time.
• Flossing and Interdental Cleaning: Flossing effectively removes plaque and food particles between teeth and along the gumline. Use gentle back-and-forth motions to remove plaque.
• Tongue Cleaning: Cleaning the tongue is part of oral hygiene to remove bacteria and bad breath. Use tongue scrapers.
• Mouthwash: Mouthwash can freshen breath reduce plaque, and help prevent periodontal disease. Antimicrobial mouthwash with fluoride strengthens protection against tooth decay..

Nutrition and Diet

• Limiting Sugary and Acidic Foods: Limit foods that can erode tooth enamel, causing cavities. Rinse mouth with water after consuming sugary foods.
• Balanced Diet: Encourage foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and C (like fruits, vegetables, and dairy). Lean proteins also promote healthy teeth and gums.
• Hydration: Promote drinking water to keep the mouth hydrated, produce saliva, wash away food particles, and neutralize acids. Discourage sugary drinks and beverages.

Fluoride and Oral Care Products

• Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making teeth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugars. It can also reverse early stages of cavities.
• Fluoridated toothpaste use should be encouraged as soon as the first teeth erupt, and tailored to age-appropriate fluoride concentrations.
• Choosing oral care products: Select a toothbrush with soft bristles for comfortable brushing. Replace toothbrushes regularly (every 3-4 months). Choose dentifrice according to patient need.

Regular Dental Check-ups

• Regular dental visits are important to detect oral health issues early and prevent complications.
• Schedule with modifications as needed, for adults, about every six months; children as needed.
• Professional cleaning to remove dental biofilm should be provided during regular check-ups.

Advice for 0-3 year olds

• Parents/caregivers should brush children's teeth.
• Use fluoride toothpaste.
• Limit sugary foods and drinks.
• Brush teeth twice daily before bedtime.
• Introduce free-flow cup at six months and refrain from bottle at year one.
• Use sugar free alternatives for weaning.
• Use a small amount of toothpaste when brushing.