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Children’s dental care

During childhood, conditions are created for maintaining oral health, where healthy eating habits and adequate oral hygiene are paramount. A good example from parents is the best way to learn them.

It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that their child’s teeth are cleaned twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. A primary school pupil still needs the help of parents in brushing or at least checking the brushing result.

Oral health is managed through a healthy lifestyle

A prerequisite for good dental health is self-care, which means caring for one’s own oral health. This should be done daily, regularly and appropriately. Factors for maintaining and promoting oral health are easy to implement: good oral hygiene, healthy eating practices and habits, use of fluoride and xylitol, regular oral and dental check-ups, and early treatment.

Your own practices and habits can strengthen and maintain oral health, but they can also cause oral disease in a short period of time. Many of the dangers to dental health can be related to tooth decay, age, life situations, illness, medication use, habits, or hobbies.

  • brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and clean your interdental spaces daily
  • have a healthy, regular and varied diet and eating habits
    • avoiding snacking (eating up to 5-6 times a day)
    • minimise the use of sugar and acidic products
  • use xylitol chewing gum or a pastille after each meal
  • drink water as a thirst quencher

Finnish Dental Association

The Patient Insurance Centre (PIC)

Current Care Guidelines