Children who are at high risk of oral and dental health problems—such as children with special needs, children with certain oral habits, or those living in environments with limited access to healthcare—require targeted and specialized intervention approaches. Children’s oral health is influenced not only by toothbrushing habits but also by environmental factors, family support, children’s behavior, and their ability to understand health-related instructions.
For children with limitations in motor, sensory, or cognitive abilities, maintaining oral hygiene routines often presents significant challenges. These children require intensive assistance and teaching methods tailored to their specific conditions. Therefore, oral hygiene interventions should adopt a comprehensive approach that does not focus solely on brushing techniques, but also addresses psychological aspects, family education, and the school environment.
This perspective aligns with the findings of doctoral research conducted by a student of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), Arnela Nur, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Sofia Retnowati, M.S., and dr. Meineni Sitaresmi, Ph.D., Sp.A (K), entitled “The Effect of Psychoeducation on Oral and Dental Health Maintenance on Parents’ and Teachers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors, as well as the Oral Health Status of Children with Autism.” The study demonstrated that psychoeducational interventions for parents and teachers significantly improve knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to oral health, which in turn positively affect children’s oral health status—particularly among children with special needs such as those with autism.
Effective interventions typically include several key components:
- Continuous education for parents, teachers, and caregivers to enable consistent guidance in oral hygiene practices.
- Adaptation of oral hygiene tools, such as toothbrushes with special grips or flavor-free toothpaste for children who are sensitive to sensory stimuli.
- Behavioral and visual approaches, including the use of picture cards, videos, or structured routines.
- Collaboration among healthcare professionals, schools, and families to maintain long-term oral hygiene habits.
Children at high risk are highly dependent on their immediate environment to develop proper oral hygiene behaviors. Psychoeducation-based interventions have been shown to enhance caregivers’ ability to teach healthy behaviors while strengthening support systems for children.
With appropriate strategies, oral hygiene interventions not only improve children’s oral health but also enhance their overall quality of life. This approach underscores the crucial role of families, educators, and healthcare professionals in establishing a strong foundation for oral health from an early age.
References
ARNELA NUR, Prof. Dr. Sofia Retnowati, M.S; dr. Meineni Sitaresmi, Ph.D., Sp.A (K), PENGARUH PSIKOEDUKASI PEMELIHARAAN KESEHATAN GIGI DAN MULUT TERHADAP PENGETAHUAN, SIKAP, PERILAKU ORANG TUA DAN GURU SERTA STATUS KESEHATAN GIGI DAN MULUT ANAK AUTIS, https://etd.repository.ugm.ac.id/penelitian/detail/220458
Author: Rizky B. Hendrawan | Photo: Freepik
