parental role in childrens oral health

Parental role in children’s oral health

One of the most important things we adults can do for young children is to model the kind of person we would like them to be – Carol B Hillman

Oral health is an integral part of the general health. Oral diseases are the most common and wide spread problem throughout the world, among that dental caries is the biggest one. Oral health related habits are established in early life.

The role of parent during child’s earliest years is a biggest influence in shaping their personality.

Child upbringing is one of the most formidable tasks of parents such as tooth brushing habits are important which will influence in their young age. So, promoting the knowledge and attitude about oral health maintenance in adults are very important, because this will influence the oral health of children at early age.

Most of the parents tend to ignore their children’s dental problem because the primary teeth will be replaced by permanent teeth and also because they are unaware of the causes of Early Childhood Caries and their treatment. So, parent’s contribution in this will lead to increased preventive dental care, which children will receive at home and use of professional dental care.

Parents have to use playful motivation to enhance their child’s brushing. Till six years it is advisable to parents to re-brush those areas which are hard to clean. At the age around 6, children are able to brush their own and can use proper technique. Although child can do, still it is advisable to the parents to continue their supervising in regular brushing.