NUCOHS launches programme to give children a healthy start in oral care
Published on 7 October 2024
The National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore (NUCOHS) aims to make dental education fun for children through a new programme that lets them step into the world of a dentist.
When he was just three years old, Paul Chew had a serious fall at home and hit his front teeth on a piece of furniture.
It did not seem like it then, but that fall proved to be a blessing in disguise. Paul was brought to NUCOHS for an urgent check-up, where he was seen by Dr Sim Chien Joo, Head, Division of Paediatric Dentistry.
Dr Sim assured Paul’s parents that his teeth were unharmed from the fall, but it was also during this visit that she emphasised the importance of regular dental check-ups for young children — a piece of advice that Paul’s parents took to heart.
As such, Paul’s parents brought him to see Dr Sim again six months later, where it was discovered that he had developed multiple dental caries (cavities) on four of his teeth.
This came as a shock to Paul’s parents, as they had made a conscious effort to brush his teeth regularly. However, as they would go on to learn, regular brushing alone is not always sufficient to prevent dental caries in children. Factors such as poor eating habits, incorrect brushing techniques, or using toothpaste without fluoride can also contribute to the development of cavities.
Paul’s mother, Mrs Lily Chew, shared, “We had already started brushing Paul’s teeth and thought that was enough. However, Dr Sim explained that his cavities might have been caused by his diet.
“If it hadn’t been for his fall, we might not have taken him to the dentist so soon, and could have waited until he was in Primary One for a check-up. By then, his cavities might have worsened and caused him pain. As a parent, I’m thankful we took him to the dentist early.”
Low awareness of children’s oral hygiene in Singapore
Like Mrs Chew, most parents in Singapore are unaware that children should start visiting the dentist either from the time their first tooth erupts or by the age of one.
This lack of awareness is reflected in the high prevalence of dental caries among children in the country — almost 50 per cent experience tooth decay by the age of six, with the majority (90 per cent) of these cases going untreated. In severe cases, this can result in hospitalisation or the need for dental procedures under general anaesthesia.
Data from the Health Promotion Board also shows that dental decay consistently affects nearly half of Primary One children, with rates decreasing slightly from 52.4% in 2014 to 48.5% in 2020.
Dr Sim explained, “Parents often don’t realise their child has dental caries until pain occurs. While some parents are very observant and take their child to the dentist upon noticing black stains on their teeth, it’s usually a bit too late, and unfortunate, as these issues are usually preventable.
“Preventive knowledge is crucial — knowing how to brush, which toothpaste to use, and when to brush. For example, many parents brush their children’s teeth and then give them milk before bed, not realising that this can contribute to the development of dental caries.
“By visiting the dentist earlier, parents can gain valuable insights into proper oral hygiene for their child. If they have multiple children, they can apply these practices to all of them, reducing the likelihood of painful and costly treatments, and avoiding the need for general anaesthesia. Preventive care can save both pain and costs.”
New NUCOHS programme engages both parents and children
As part of NUCOHS’s ongoing efforts to raise public awareness of paediatric dentistry, the Paediatric Dental Clinic has introduced a new programme partnering with preschools to organise quarterly visits to the clinic.
This initiative aims to foster a positive association with dental visits among young children and help them feel at ease with the dentist as a trusted figure.
During the curated visits, parents and caregivers receive expert advice from NUCOHS clinicians on common dental issues and the appropriate ways to maintain their children’s oral health.
“A lot of times when we conduct our outreach programmes, we visit schools to talk to the children," said Dr Sim. “However, the information they take home can be limited and sometimes incorrect.
“The children are not exactly going to tell their parents to stop giving them sweets,” Dr Sim laughed.
“That’s why we want parents to be involved directly, so they have a better understanding of what to do before issues become serious, and we can address any doubts that they may have on the spot."
Helping children feel at ease with the dentist
Crucially, the new programme will also offer children a unique opportunity to step into the world of dentistry. They will explore the treatment room, become familiar with various dental instruments, and learn about oral care through engaging games and stories. As a parting gift, each child will receive a dental kit to support their personal oral care journey.
Dr Sim said, "This new programme will help children become accustomed to the dentist’s office and the dental chair. When they start to associate the dentist’s office with a positive experience, it can reduce anxiety the next time they visit a dentist. It will feel like a familiar place, and the dentist will be someone they have seen before. Early exposure to the dentist is always beneficial."
Since 2014, the NUCOHS Paediatric Dental Clinic has been collaborating with the Department of Neonatology at the Khoo Teck Puat – National University Children's Medical Institute at the National University Hospital (NUH) to reach out to young parents on infant oral health.
In January 2023, NUCOHS also launched an initiative to provide dental care to patients at the Viva-University Children's Cancer Centre, a comprehensive cancer centre treating children with cancer at NUH. Due to their weakened immune systems from medical treatments, these patients may be more susceptible to oral conditions such as mouth sores, dry mouth, or early-stage gum disease. Through bi-monthly clinics, the NUCOHS paediatric dental team offers personalised oral health guidance tailored to each child's age, therapies, and procedures.
Dr Sim added: “The foundation of a lifetime of healthy teeth begins in childhood. At NUCOHS, we recognise that good oral health care for children requires a holistic approach involving not only the child but also their parents and educators. We are excited to expand our efforts through initiatives like the visit programme, aiming to educate and empower families to foster a culture of preventive dental care and give children a strong foundation for healthier teeth into adulthood.”
In consultation with Dr Sim Chien Joo, Head, Division of Paediatric Dentistry, NUCOHS.