Healthy smiles, happy kids

LIFELONG HABITS: SEVEN TIPS TO SET YOUR CHILDREN UP FOR ORAL SUCCESS

» Consistency is key to maintaining dental health.

Now that our children are a month into the new school term, it is important not to lose sight of their wellbeing. One often overlooked issue is oral health.

In South Africa, school children often face challenges due to limited access to dental care, a lack of oral hygiene knowledge and rampant tooth decay.

According to the inaugural report on the global oral disease burden from the World Health Organisation (WHO), 41% of children aged one to nine have untreated tooth decay.

Additionally, at least 28% of children aged five and older experience untreated tooth decay in both deciduous and permanent teeth.

Alarmingly, nearly 25% of those aged 15 and above suffered from severe gum disease.

Noxy Figlan from Aquafresh advises parents to focus on setting their children up for oral success.

"While new school supplies and uniforms are essential, it's equally important to pay attention to your child's dental health.