The new initiative is part of the National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore’s (NUCOHS) holistic approach to inculcate good oral hygiene habits early and elevate dental health amongst children
Singapore — To parents with young children, it is no secret that maintaining good oral health of their little ones, from monitoring their diet to coaxing them in their daily brushing routines, can be a challenge. Most parents are also unaware that children should start visiting the dentist either from the time their first tooth erupts or when they turn one-year-old, and that certain foods, such as sugary health supplements, juice and even milk, can cause caries in children in the absence of good dental habits.
In Singapore, despite widespread access to quality healthcare, dental caries prevalence among children remains alarmingly high. Almost 50 per cent of children experience tooth decay by the age of six, with the majority (90 per cent) of these cases going untreated1. In severe cases, this can result in hospitalisation or the need for dental procedures under general anaesthesia. Data from the Health Promotion Board shows a concerning increase in caries prevalence among 7-year-olds, rising from 48.1 per cent in 2010 to 53.1 per cent in 2016.
Between 2021 and 2023, NUCOHS has seen an average of 170 children below the age of seven each year, who require complex procedures carried out under general anaesthesia. This number has unfortunately remained consistent despite increased awareness among parents. Such complex procedures are done usually to address symptoms arising from dental caries, and include root canal treatments, dental crown procedures and extraction of more than one tooth in one setting.
Giving children a healthy start in oral care
On 16 September 2024, the Paediatric Dental Clinic at NUCOHS piloted its visit programme initiative by welcoming about 60 pre-school children aged four to six years old from The Schoolhouse Dover, along with their parents, to the NUCOHS premises, for an interactive hands-on educational session on oral health. This is a brand-new programme where NUCOHS partners preschools to organise quarterly visits, aimed at nurturing a positive association with dental visits amongst the young and helping them feel at ease with the dentist as a person they can trust.
During the curated visits, parents and caregivers receive expert advice from NUCOHS clinicians on common dental issues and the appropriate ways to maintain their children’s oral health. The young visitors also have the unique opportunity to step into the world of a dentist, explore the treatment room and various dental instruments, as well as learn the ins and outs of oral care through engaging games and stories. As a parting gift, each child receives a dental kit to embark on their personal oral care journey.
Dr Sim Chien Joo, Head of the Division of Paediatric Dentistry at NUCOHS, said: “Effective early prevention is crucial in significantly reducing severe tooth decay among young children. While individual preventive measures such as fluoride use and regular dental care are essential, their success hinge on comprehensive education directed at parents, caregivers and educators, coupled with diligent adherence to recommended oral health practices.”
The visit programme is just one part of NUCOHS’s ongoing efforts to raise public awareness of paediatric dentistry. Since 2014, the NUCOHS Paediatric Dental Clinic has started collaborating with the Department of Neonatology at the Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute at the National University Hospital (NUH) to reach out to young parents on infant oral health via bi-monthly sessions.
In January 2023, NUCOHS also launched an initiative to provide dental care to the patients of Viva-University Children's Cancer Centre, a one-stop cancer centre treating children with cancers at NUH. As a result of a weakened immunity system due to the nature of their medical treatments, these patients could be more susceptible to oral conditions such as mouth sores, dry mouth or even early-stage gum disease. Through bi-monthly clinics, the NUCOHS paediatric dental team provides personalised oral health guidance to patients and their caregivers, based on the child’s age, therapies, and procedures they are receiving.
Dr Sim added: “The foundation of a lifetime of healthy teeth begins in childhood. Healthy teeth and gums contribute to overall well-being, affecting a child’s ability to eat, speak and even smile confidently. At NUCOHS, we are mindful that good oral health care for the young encompasses a holistic approach that involves not only the child, but also the parents and educators. We are excited to expand our efforts through initiatives such as the visit programme, to educate and empower families in fostering a culture of preventive dental care and to place the child at a robust starting point in achieving healthier teeth into adulthood.”
To download the PDF version of the media release, click here.
