Dr. İpek Kınıkoğlu, Assistant Professor at the Department of Pedodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Atlas University, stated that oral and dental health does not only mean having decay-free teeth, but also that a child's ability to sleep without pain, chew comfortably, speak, smile, and participate in school life without interruption are important indicators of oral health.
Dental checkups are a preventative step.
Drawing attention to the relationship between dental health and academic success, Assistant Professor Dr. İpek Kınıkoğlu emphasized the importance of expressing the issue correctly and said the following:
“Dental checkups are not a direct ‘achievement booster,’ but rather a preventative step that addresses health problems early on that can hinder learning. A painful tooth constantly draws a child’s attention to the pain; the child may have difficulty listening to the teacher, focusing while reading, or maintaining concentration during an exam. Toothache, especially at night, can disrupt sleep; leading to fatigue, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating the next day. Relieving pain and sensitivity can make it easier for the child to refocus on their studies. Being able to chew comfortably and sleep regularly also helps them have a more comfortable school day.”
Why is a pre-school check-up important?
Even if children have no complaints, some oral and dental problems may not initially show any symptoms. Therefore, an assessment during the preschool period is crucial. This check-up should evaluate active cavities, as well as broken or sensitive teeth, gum problems, heavy plaque buildup, the shedding of baby teeth and the eruption process of permanent teeth, the need for protective measures for newly erupted permanent molars, and potential problems in children using orthodontic appliances.”
Children who participate in sports should use mouthguards.
Dr. İpek Kınıkoğlu, Assistant Professor, stated that children who participate in sports should also be evaluated, and emphasized the importance of using appropriate mouthguards in situations where there is a risk of trauma.
Screening is not a replacement for a comprehensive dental examination.
Dr. İpek Kınıkoğlu, Assistant Professor, emphasized that oral and dental health screenings that can be carried out in schools are an important awareness and guidance tool, but they do not replace comprehensive dental examinations, and underlined the following distinction:
“Screening helps to quickly identify obvious problems and treatment needs. A comprehensive dental examination assesses the child's medical and dental history, risk of cavities, gums and soft tissues, eruption status of teeth, and bite; radiographic examinations may also be used if deemed necessary. Therefore, detecting a problem during screening alone is not sufficient. It is important to refer families to a suitable dentist and plan the necessary treatment.”
Problems detected early can reduce disruptions that may occur during the school year.
Dr. İpek Kınıkoğlu, Assistant Professor, stated that dental check-ups before schools open offer an advantage in terms of timing, adding that planned check-ups and necessary treatments during the holiday period can help prevent emergencies that may arise after school starts.
“Severe toothaches, facial swelling, or infections that appear after school starts can be much more challenging for both the child and the family. Often, a minor problem can be managed with more limited intervention if detected early. Therefore, it's important to include oral and dental health checkups in school preparations.”
A healthy mouth supports a child's participation in school life.
Stating that the impact of oral and dental health on children's daily lives is not limited only to tooth decay, Kınıkoğlu concluded her remarks as follows:
“A healthy mouth helps a child sleep without pain, eat comfortably, speak, smile, and participate more seamlessly in school life. The back-to-school period should be considered not only a time for preparing bags and stationery, but also for reviewing the child's preventive health checkups.”
