THE LONG-TERM IMPACTS OF LACK OF DENTAL CARE ON CHILDREN'S ORAL HEALTH

Abstract

When assessing children's oral health, it's necessary to focus on their oral hygiene habits. Furthermore, maintaining a non-cariogenic diet is crucial, as dietary and oral hygiene habits must be combined to prevent the formation of caries lesions in the teeth. Professional follow-up is also fundamental for preventing caries lesions. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the risks faced by pediatric dental patients when professional follow-up is not carried out within the necessary timeframe. It was concluded that children's oral health is determined not only by their hygiene habits but also by their dietary habits. Thus, regardless of the etiology leading to premature tooth loss, detrimental consequences will occur. Furthermore, effective dental care for these patients, in a way that prevents harmful consequences for the child's oral health such as premature tooth loss, changes in tooth eruption space, occlusal, aesthetic, and functional alterations, provides an excellent form of prevention against more serious oral health complications.