Promoting oral health
We encourage and guide people of all ages to practice good oral self-care.
One of the key factors promoting oral health is a living environment that encourages healthy habits. Good self-care at home is the most important aspect of oral and dental health. Maintaining proper oral hygiene helps the mouth stay fresh, healthy, and free from pain. Habits for good oral health are learned in childhood and can last a lifetime. Remember, oral health is an important part of your overall health and well-being. Oral healthcare services support your self-care by providing online resources and offering personal guidance during appointments. Follow the guidelines below and you will be on the right track.
Oral care for expecting families
Pregnancy is a unique experience for each family. It is a good idea to examine and, if necessary, change the family’s health habits and create a healthy growth environment for the child already during pregnancy.
A healthy mouth is part of general health, wellbeing and quality of life. Children’s oral and dental care begins already during pregnancy by establishing good food and oral care habits in the family.
It is important that your child’s dental care becomes part of their daily habits. As guardians, you have the opportunity to influence your child’s future dental routines and attitudes towards dental care.
The mother’s susceptibility to oral diseases may increase during pregnancy. The mother’s hormone activity changes and may affect the composition of saliva and the susceptibility of gums to inflammation. Nausea in pregnancy and frequent snacking may increase the risk of cavities. If you have undergone regular dental examinations, you do not need to seek dental care especially because of pregnancy.
You play the key role in the prevention of cavities and other oral diseases! Together with oral health care personnel, you can maintain good oral health that promotes good general health.
Assessment of the oral health status and need for care of families expecting their first child
Parents expecting their first child have the opportunity for a free assessment of oral health and need for treatment by a dental health care professional. During the visit, you will discuss individual oral care needs and get advice. If necessary, the professional may refer you to paid oral health care services for adults after the guidance visit.
By following the oral care recommendations, you promote the good health of your whole family
Cavities, i.e., dental caries, are one of the most common infectious diseases in humans. The development of caries depends on the number of bacteria present in the mouth, the diet and the characteristics of saliva and dental tissue. You can influence many of these factors yourself and thus prevent the formation of cavities.
The Streptococcus mutans bacterium that causes cavities often spreads to the child from their parents. The bacterium is transmitted through saliva, for example when using the same spoon. It is important to note that early caries infection increases the susceptibility to cavities in the child’s primary teeth and even permanent teeth.
No streptococcus mutans caries is present in the mouth of a newborn, but it can be transmitted to the child through the saliva immediately after their first tooth has emerged. When the parents’ teeth and oral health are in good condition, their child has a lower risk of caries infection.
Cavities can be prevented by regular self-care, i.e., cleaning the teeth and the mouth, and a healthy diet. Cavities are more likely to occur if the diet is high in sugar and the daily self-care is not sufficient.
Almost all foods contain sugar, from which caries bacteria form acid that dissolves tooth enamel. This event is called an acid attack. If there are several acid attacks during the day, the tooth surface does not have time to harden again, and a cavity will begin to form on the tooth surface.
Inflammation of the gums, i.e., gingivitis, occurs if bacterial plaque accumulates on the tooth surface. Gingivitis caused by dental plaque is common in both children and adults. Due to changes in hormone activity due to pregnancy, gums may become more susceptible to infection. However, you should keep in mind that poor oral hygiene increases the risk of developing gingivitis also during pregnancy, meaning that maintaining good oral hygiene also prevents the development of gingivitis during pregnancy.
Use fluoride toothpaste and favour xylitol
Fluoride reduces cavity formation by preventing bacteria from dissolving the minerals in the enamel. In addition, fluoride hardens the tooth surface. Fluoride also prevents the metabolism of caries bacteria and the production of acids. Select a toothpaste containing fluoride for yourself and your child.
The infant’s mother and later the child’s xylitol product use seems to prevent or at least delay the child’s infection with Streptococcus mutans caries bacteria. Full xylitol chewing gum or tablet shortens the acid attack and increases saliva secretion and rinses the surfaces of the teeth. An example of good practice is the use of xylitol products at the end of meals. The recommended daily dose of xylitol is at least 5 grams. The amount is obtained from 6-10 chewing gums or pastilles. Xylitol never replaces the need for brushing teeth.
The child can start practising using chewable full xylitol tablets as soon as the child is able to chew food and tablets. It is good for small children to chew the tablet under supervision and in a sitting position. To avoid stomach issues, gradually start giving the child one tablet per day, for example.
Have a regular meal schedule
Caries can be prevented by avoiding sugary foods and drinks and by eating regularly. This means avoiding snacking and eating sugary treats with meals. Water is the best option when thirsty. It is also important to note that drinkable dairy products should be part of meals.
Your family should get used to regular meal and snack schedules already during pregnancy. All eating and drinking should take place just 5–6 times a day due to acid attacks. The mouth needs 3-4 hours of rest between meals in order for saliva to rinse the teeth and repair damage caused by acid.
Dental erosion is the chemical dissolution of the tooth surface due to the action of acids without the presence of bacteria. When the surface of the tooth is soft, it is prone to wear due to chewing, for example. Erosion is caused by frequently consumed light drinks, sports and energy drinks, flavoured waters, full juices, berry juices, citrus fruits and vinegar.
Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
Cavities and gingivitis can be prevented by cleaning the teeth and the mouth regularly.
In gingivitis, gums bleed when cleaning the teeth, and the mouth may smell or taste unpleasant. This is due to the bacterial plaque accumulated on the tooth surface. Gingivitis is usually healed by improving self-care.
Oral health affects overall health. A bacterial infection spreading from the mouth may increase the risk of arteriosclerosis and myocardial or cerebral infarction. In addition, oral infections can impair the therapeutic equilibrium of many chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.
Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste in the morning and evening will make your mouth feel clean, and at the same time, provide a good fluoride protection for your teeth. The use of an electric toothbrush is recommended for everyone. For adults, the recommended fluoride content of toothpaste is 1450–1500 ppm. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes. Pay particular attention to gum lines and the occlusal surfaces of your back teeth. During this time, the fluoride can bind to the tooth, strengthening the surface of the tooth, i.e., the enamel. You do not need to rinse your mouth with water during brushing or after brushing. Just spit out any superfluous saliva-toothpaste mixture.
Clean between your teeth
It is a good idea to clean between your teeth with an interdental brush, brush pick or floss.
Breastfeeding and nutrition
Breastfeeding has many positive effects on the health of both the mother and the child. The child has a natural need to nurse, and breastfeeding is beneficial for the healthy development of their mouth and teeth. Breastfeeding stimulates the growth of the jaws and the optimal development of the masticatory muscles.
Repetitive breastfeeding that continues after the age of 18 months or bottle feeding in between mealtimes and at night can expose their teeth to caries. The defence mechanisms provided by saliva are at their weakest at night. Careful daily oral hygiene plays a key role in maintaining a good oral health for the child.
Regular mealtimes and drinking water when thirsty are good for the child’s oral health. You should not give your child juice or other sugary drinks when they are thirsty. Your child does not crave sugar naturally. You should not condition your child to use sugar, and you should postpone the provision of sweets as long as possible. When sweets are served, this should be done in connection with meals so that sugar does not harm the teeth as much.
Suckling upon a pacifier or fingers
If your child needs a pacifier, an anatomical “flat” model is the best option for teeth. A pacifier is a better option than suckling upon a finger for the development of bite.
It is a good idea to give up the pacifier before the child turns 2 years old. Long-term use of the pacifier may cause issues with the bite and slow down speech development. It is a good idea to take the pacifier out of the child’s mouth whenever they make sounds and practise speaking in this way. It is much easier to wean your child off the pacifier before the “terrible twos” when the child becomes independent. You should not teach your child to use the pacifier continuously.
Teething
The first teeth usually emerge at the age of approximately 4-7months. A total of 20 primary teeth emerge, and they usually emerge in the mouth by approximately 3 years of age. There may be individual differences in the order in which the teeth emerge.
Symptoms of teething include heavy saliva secretion, swelling of gums, restlessness, eating difficulties, and the child may constantly put their fingers in their mouth. Your child might prefer cold foods and finger foods when teething.
Teething is a risky time in terms of infection with Streptococcus mutans caries bacteria. The child can get infected when their first tooth has emerged. To prevent bacterial transmission, avoid saliva contact with the child. It is easiest if you do not kiss your child on the mouth, rinse the pacifier under water, and your child always has their own cutlery.
Brushing your child’s teeth
Oral and dental health is a common cause for the whole family. Parents always serve as examples for their child.
Brushing should be started as soon as the first tooth emerges.
- To remove the bacterial plaque, brush their teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush intended for children.
- Use fluoride toothpaste (1000–1100 ppm) twice a day for children aged between 0 and 3. Do not rinse the toothpaste off.
- Emerging and freshly emerged teeth require fluoride so that the enamel hardens. When used correctly, fluoride toothpaste is safe for everyone.
- You can start using an electric toothbrush as soon as the child agrees to it. A parent should brush their child’s teeth to ensure safe brushing with an electric toothbrush.
- As the child grows up, they will want to practice brushing their teeth on their own. However, it is important to note that an adult must check the brushing results until the age of 10.
Children’s oral health examinations
Oral health examinations are carried out for children several times before they go to school, and more frequent examinations are possible according to individual needs. Your child will receive an invitation to book an appointment to oral health examinations.
Before going to school, children are invited to an oral health examination at the ages of 1, 3 and 5. Oral health care services are free of charge for people under the age of 18.
Download the instructions in PDF format through the provided link:
The video is also available in Arabic,(external link) Somali(external link), and Russian(external link) on YouTube
Oral Health Care for Children Aged 0–3
It is important to incorporate dental care into your child's daily routine. As guardians, you play a pivotal role in shaping your child’s future dental habits and attitudes towards oral hygiene. Daily and thorough oral hygiene practices are essential for maintaining your child’s oral health.
Did you know that newborns do not have the cavity-causing bacteria, Streptococcus mutans, present in their mouths? To prevent this bacterium from taking hold, avoid saliva contact. This means for example, ensuring the child uses separate utensils. When adult caregivers maintain good oral health and use xylitol regularly, it further reduces the risk of this bacterium adhering to the child's teeth.
Teeth typically begin to erupt around six months, with all 20 baby teeth usually in place by the age of three. The sequence of teeth eruption can vary from child to child.
Breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding supports jaw growth and the proper development of biting muscles.
- Frequent and prolonged breastfeeding (beyond 18 months) or bottle-feeding, especially between meals and at night, can increase the risk of cavities.
- For children breastfed beyond 18 months, diligent daily oral care is essential for maintaining oral health.
Regular mealtimes and water for thirst
- Teach your child to adhere to regular mealtimes. Habitual snacking is harmful for the teeth.
- Most foods and beverages contain carbohydrates that produce tooth-decaying acids. Teeth can endure such acid attacks up to five or six times a day.
- You should not make your child accustomed to sugar. Delay introducing sugary foods for as long as possible.
- Water is the best drink to quench thirst. Note that drinkable dairy products should be served during meals and not between them. Refrain from offering your child juice or other sugary drinks for thirst.
- Using full-xylitol products reduces the duration of post-meal acid attack and decreases the number of cavity-causing bacteria. An example of good practice is the use of xylitol products at the end of meals. The recommended daily dose of xylitol is at least 5 grams. The amount is obtained from 6-10 chewing gums or pastilles. The child can start practising using chewable full xylitol tablets as soon as the child is able to chew food and tablets. It is good for small children to chew the tablet under supervision and in a sitting position. To avoid stomach issues, gradually start giving the child one tablet per day, for example. However, remember that xylitol is not a replacement for brushing teeth.
Pacifiers and Finger Sucking
- When selecting a pacifier for your child, the anatomical “flat” design is the best choice for dental health. Pacifiers are preferable to finger sucking in terms of bite development.
- It is a good idea to give up the pacifier before the child turns 2 years old. Prolonged pacifier use can lead to malocclusion (overbite) and delayed speech development. It is recommended to remove the pacifier when the child is vocalizing and, in that way, practising speech.
How to brush a child’s teeth
- Begin brushing once the first tooth appears, using a soft, child-sized toothbrush. You can transition to an electric toothbrush as soon as the child feels comfortable with it. To ensure safety, the child’s teeth should be brushed by a parent when using an electric toothbrush.
- Brush the child's teeth for two minutes twice a day. Apply a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (containing 1000–1100 ppm fluoride). Focus especially on the gum lines and chewing surfaces.
- As the child grows, they will want to try brushing on their own. However, and adult should assist with brushing until the child is about 10 years old.
Download the instructions in PDF format through the provided link:
Oral Health Care for Children Aged 4–6
Maintaining oral and dental health is a family commitment. It is important to incorporate dental care into your child's daily routine. As guardians, you play a pivotal role in shaping your child’s future dental habits and attitudes towards oral hygiene.
Adults are responsible for ensuring the child’s teeth are cleaned properly as the child is still only learning how to brush their teeth.
Tooth Eruption and Shedding of Baby Teeth
- By the age of 4, children usually have a full set of 20 baby teeth (milk teeth), while permanent teeth are still developing within the jaw. The transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth starts between the ages of 6 to 8. However, this varies from child to child.
- It is important to monitor the eruption of permanent teeth from age five onwards. Pay special attention to the permanent molars emerging behind the first baby molars, ensuring they are properly cleaned as soon as they appear.
Regular mealtimes and drinking water when thirsty benefit oral health
- Regular mealtimes, protect teeth from cavities. Limit frequent consumption of sugary foods and beverages. Habitual snacking is harmful for the teeth.
- Water is the best drink to quench thirst. Note that dairy drinks should be consumed during meals.
- Most foods and beverages contain carbohydrates that produce tooth-decaying acids. Teeth can endure such acid erosion five to six times daily, but they require a 3–4-hour rest between meals, allowing saliva to cleanse and repair the acid damage.
- Xylitol chewing gum or tablet shortens the acid attack and increases saliva secretion and rinses the surfaces of the teeth. An example of good practice is the use of xylitol products at the end of meals. The recommended daily dose of xylitol is at least 5 grams. The amount is obtained from 6-10 chewing gums or pastilles. Choose full xylitol products.
How to brush a child’s teeth
- Brush the child's teeth for two minutes twice a day. Apply a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste—approximately the size of the child’s fingernail (with a fluoride content of 1000–1100 ppm). Pay special attention to the gum lines and chewing surfaces.
- The toothbrush should be a small, soft children’s toothbrush. You can transition to an electric toothbrush as soon as the child feels comfortable with it.
- Even children can have inflamed gums. If so, you might notice slight bleeding during brushing.
- As the child grows, they will want to brush on their own. However, an adult should assist with brushing until the child is about 10 years old.
Sources: www.kaypahoito.fi(external link), www.terveysportti.fi(external link)
Download the instructions in PDF format through the provided link:
Oral Health Care for Children Aged 7–11
Teeth should be brushed twice a day.
A child’s teeth should be brushed for a minimum of two minutes every morning and evening. Many children are still learning to brush properly and need their parents’ help. It’s recommended that adults brush their child’s teeth until the child turns 10.
An electric toothbrush is recommended for school-age children. The technique for using an electric toothbrush differs from that used with a manual one. Gently move the electric toothbrush from one tooth to the next. It is also advisable to teach children to use dental floss at this age. School-aged children should use fluoride toothpaste with a fluoride content of 1450 ppm.
Regular mealtimes and drinking water when thirsty promote oral health
School-age children should consume a nutritious breakfast before school, followed by a healthy snack and a warm meal after school. Regular mealtimes and a varied diet help to curb snacking and the associated risk of cavities.
It is advisable to limit eating occasions to 5–6 times daily as teeth need 3–4 hours of rest between meals. Remember, water is the best drink to quench thirst. Reserve sugary treats and drinks for special occasions.
- Milk or soured milk are the recommended mealtime beverages.
- Water is the best option when thirsty.
- Juices, sodas, and diet drinks can cause cavities and tooth enamel erosion.
Daily xylitol is beneficial
Full-xylitol products offer a safe alternative to sugary sweets. An example of good practice is the use of xylitol products at the end of meals. The recommended daily dose of xylitol is at least 5 grams. The amount is obtained from 6-10 chewing gums or pastilles.
Teeth replacement
By age 13, all 20 baby teeth have typically fallen out and been replaced with 28 permanent ones. Additionally, up to four wisdom teeth may erupt in the future. If a baby tooth is loose and causes discomfort when eating, it can be wiggled, especially if it is not unpleasant for the child or if the corresponding permanent tooth is erupting. Newly emerged teeth are especially cavity-prone due to their softer surface.
Sources: www.kaypahoito.fi(external link), www.terveysportti.fi(external link)
Download the instructions in PDF format through the provided link:
Oral Health Care for 12–16-year-olds
Brush your teeth twice a day.
You are responsible for keeping your teeth clean. The most important thing is to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste
- Daily use of dental floss or interdental brushes prevent gum disease and cavities forming between teeth
- When used correctly, an electric toothbrush removes sticky dental plaque more efficiently than a manual toothbrush. Gently move the electric toothbrush from one tooth to the next
Avoid snacking and sweet drinks
- Regular, healthy meals and snacks will keep your energy levels up and boost your overall health and your oral health. Eat five times a day and do not eat sweets more than once a week
- Acidic drinks, such as fruit juices, sodas (whether sugar-free or not), and sports and energy drinks, cause the surface of the teeth to erode
- We recommend that you drink milk with meals and water when you are thirsty
Did you know that…
- A 500ml cola drink contains the equivalent of 21 sugar cubes
- A 300g bag of candy contains the equivalent of 70 sugar cubes
Daily xylitol use benefits oral health
- Full-xylitol products offer a safe alternative to sugary sweets. An example of good practice is the use of xylitol products at the end of meals. The recommended daily dose of xylitol is at least 5 grams. The amount is obtained from 6-10 chewing gums or pastilles
Smoking, snus, and vaping are harmful to your health
- Tobacco stains teeth and causes bad breath.
- Tobacco products are expensive.
- Tobacco diminishes one’s sense of taste and smell.
- Tobacco products cause severe addiction.
Download the instructions in PDF format through the provided link:
Instructions for brushing a child's teeth
Download the instructions in PDF format:
Adult oral health care
Follow the instructions below to get far in preventing oral illnesses:
- Brush your teeth thoroughly in the morning and evening with fluoride-based toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth daily.
- Have a regular and healthy diet. It is ideal for your teeth to have 4-6 meals a day.
- At the end of a meal, have a xylitol mint or a piece of chewing gum.
- Drink water to quench your thirst. Sports, energy, soft and light drinks and fresh juices have lots of acids that cause dental erosion. If they contain sugar, they cause tooth decay.
- Ensure healthy habits at all stages of life. Cigarettes and other tobacco products are particularly harmful to oral health.
- Have regular check-ups with an oral health care professional.