Preventing Dental Caries and Forming Lifelong Oral Health Habits through Child Fluoride Application and Oral Education
Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul (Mayor Ilpyeong Lee) is conducting a dental health project for children and adolescents (ages 4 to 15) in daycare centers, kindergartens, and homes to protect the oral health of children, which forms the foundation for lifelong oral health.
According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's 2018 survey on children's oral health status, more than half of children have experienced decay in their primary or permanent teeth. Children have insufficient ability to manage their oral health independently, and with the increase in dual-income families, parents find it difficult to pay attention to their children's oral care.
To prevent dental caries, proper tooth brushing, regular check-ups, and preventive treatments such as fluoride application and sealants are essential. Accordingly, the district conducts a year-round dental health project that includes oral examinations, oral education, and fluoride application.
Daycare centers and kindergartens in the district wishing to apply can contact the Public Health Center's Oral Health Office. Children and adolescents (ages 4 to 15) who want to apply individually can receive free fluoride application and oral care education every six months through prior reservation at the Public Health Center's Oral Health Office.
A Public Health Center official explained, "Fluoride application is a widely used method in dental clinics to prevent dental caries. The application period generally starts from ages 3 to 4, when primary teeth emerge and children can spit independently, and continues until age 15 after the permanent dentition is complete. It is recommended to apply fluoride consistently at intervals of 3 to 6 months depending on individual oral conditions and management ability."
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