Česky
"Parents should start caring for their child's teeth from the moment their child's first tooth erupts. Already then the child begins to get into the habit of brushing his or her teeth regularly every day. Parents should also take their child to the dentist very early on, so that he/she gets used to the treatment better and is not afraid of the doctor and later also of the dental hygienist," explains Mgr. Petra Křížová, DiS., a recognized expert in dental hygiene and also a lecturer at the Dental Clinic of the 3rd Faculty of Dentistry of Charles University.
Since AKESO POLIKLINIKA in Prague's Nové Butovice opened 8 new dental surgeries this year, is also a teaching facility of the 3rd Faculty of Dental Hygiene for dental hygiene students and treats both adults and children, connecting and organizing a joint event was literally offered. Therefore, on Friday 22 March 2024, trained students of the 3rd Faculty of Dental Hygiene of the Charles University visited the FZŠ Mezi Školami in Prague 13 and showed the children in the classrooms the correct technique of cleaning not only the teeth, but also the interdental spaces. They advised on how to use appropriate tools, how to take care of the oral cavity or how important healthy eating habits are. The children also received small rewards for good teeth cleaning skills.
"Our municipality regularly joins World Oral Health Day and we appreciate the great interest of the schools that took part in this year's event. Teeth are everyone's calling card and many people don't realise that dental health can have an impact on overall body health or mental wellbeing. Most diseases are very preventable, so oral care should also be given sufficient attention. This year's event is aimed at children, which makes it all the more meaningful," said Ing. David Vodrážka, Mayor of Prague 13.
The most common mistakes made by parents are undoubtedly poorly supervised brushing technique, too early independence, when the parent stops supervising the brushing and, if necessary, finishing the teeth. There is also a problem with cleaning or rather not cleaning the interdental spaces. Last but not least, a late start with prevention at the dentist or a visit to the dental hygienist is also wrong.
"Parents should help their children with brushing and check them up to about 12 years of age. If a child develops the right habit at an early age, they will avoid unnecessary and painful complications such as cavities, tartar build-up, gingivitis or bad breath. We should keep in mind that a child does what he sees in his parents. If they see that they also take care of their teeth, they will do the same," adds Petra Křížová, who also performs dental hygiene at AKESO POLIKLINICE, where adult and child patients can enjoy a wide range of services, from caries treatment and dental hygiene to dental implants or demanding stoma surgery.
Parents and children should have a dental hygiene treatment every six months. If a child is not managing oral hygiene as well as they should, or if they have braces for example, the intervals should be even more frequent.
Valuable information is also available on the project website www.republikabezkazu.cz/sduz.
