A MAJOR part of the Dental Health Service’s strategy is to launch an effort to educate children and parents about the prevention of dental diseases, including periodontal diseases in children. This is the most important factor because oral problems can impact a child’s self-esteem and lead to difficulties with eating, speaking, and learning.

The first comprehensive study on the nation’s oral health, of which I was fortunate to be a part, called oral diseases in children a “silent epidemic”. Thousands of school hours are lost each year to dental-related illnesses. In fact, it was pointed out that dental care is the most prevalent unmet health need among Guyanese children, although significant progress has been made in the preventive aspect in recent years.

Common dental problems seen in children include cavities and gingivitis, which are often found in most children. When these problems are not caught early and treated, they can develop into more severe problems and cause unnecessary suffering. However, much of the time, oral problems are avoidable.

It is estimated that 37 percent of children have not had a dental visit before starting school. When children don’t see dental professionals, they miss the opportunity to have problems detected early, before they escalate into larger, more expensive issues to treat. Additionally, parents miss the chance to learn how to promote good oral habits in their children.

In addition to advising regular dental visits that include a periodontal examination, the Ministry of Health offers these tips to parents to help ensure good oral health in children:

1. Establish good oral health habits early. When your child is 12 months old, you can begin using toothpaste when brushing his or her teeth. However, use only a pea-sized portion on the brush and press it into the bristles so your child won’t eat it. And when the gaps between your child’s teeth close, it’s important to start flossing.
2. Serve as a good role model by practising good oral health care habits yourself.
3. Check your child’s mouth for any signs of gum disease, including bleeding gums, swollen and bright red gums, gums that are receding away from the teeth, and bad breath.
4. Ensure your child has a well-balanced diet. Studies have shown that insufficient levels of calcium and vitamin C increase a person’s susceptibility to periodontal disease.
5. Educate your child regarding the health risks of using tobacco products. Smoking is the number one preventable risk factor for periodontal disease.