Don't leave your toothbrush out of your school bag!

Maintaining oral and dental health is directly related to behaviors learned during childhood. Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital Dentist Yelda Parlak provided important information on how school-aged children can care for their teeth and mouth.

AGAINST CAVITIES

Dr. Parlak said, "Children spend most of the day in the school environment, and they continue to be fed during this time. Food residue, especially after snacks, accumulates on the surface of teeth, paving the way for cavities. Therefore, an appropriately sized toothbrush and toothpaste should be included in the school bag. Children should brush their teeth after every meal."

PUBLIC HEALTH STRATEGY

Dt. Parlak emphasized that including a toothbrush in a school bag isn't just a symbolic suggestion, saying, "This is also a sustainable public health strategy for protecting oral health in childhood. This approach lays the foundation for healthy oral hygiene behaviors that will continue into adulthood."

REGULAR BRUSHING

Dt. Parlak emphasized that establishing daily routines for children regarding tooth brushing plays a significant role in making the behavior permanent, saying: "Incorporating fixed time periods into a child's life, such as brushing teeth immediately after waking up in the morning, before going to bed at night, and after eating at noon, helps internalize habits. This way, the child can maintain regular brushing behavior on his own, without needing external reminders."

Excessive sugar consumption should be avoided

Discussing the risks of children frequently consuming high-sugar snacks, Dt. Parlak issued the following warnings: "Excessive sugar consumption is one of the main risk factors for tooth decay. Sugar increases acid production in the mouth, causing mineral loss in tooth enamel. Therefore, parents should limit children's sugary food consumption and reinforce the habit of brushing their teeth afterward."

DRINKS MILK, EATS VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

Dt. Parlak emphasized that a balanced diet and regular oral hygiene practices complement each other in maintaining dental health, saying, "Foods rich in calcium and fiber, such as dairy products, vegetables, and fresh fruits, contribute to the strengthening of dental tissues. However, optimal nutrition alone is not sufficient, and the risk of decay persists if it is not supported by regular brushing habits."