HELSINKI: A considerable rise in severe dental issues among young children has recently been witnessed in several Western countries, including Finland.
Dr. Heikki Alapulli, Deputy Chief Dental Officer at HUS Helsinki University Hospital, Finland's largest healthcare provider, says that now the facility receives approximately 150 new referrals monthly for pediatric dental care under general anesthesia, a marked increase from pre-pandemic levels.
Last year alone, HUS managed over 2,000 referrals for pediatric dental care requiring general anesthesia, showing the severity of dental problems among children.
Dr. Alapulli says that by the time children need sedation for treatment, their oral health issues often necessitate the extraction of multiple teeth due to extensive damage.
The primary concerns are tooth decay and gum disease, common issues affecting children globally. Dental caries, a leading chronic condition worldwide, is exacerbated by factors such as high sugar consumption, which disrupts the oral microbiome and promotes cavity development.
Emphasizing the importance of early oral hygiene practices, Dr. Alapulli explained that childhood gum inflammation can contribute to long-term health risks, including cardiovascular disease in adults. Establishing good oral hygiene habits during childhood is crucial for preventing future oral health complications, he added.
General anesthesia has become a vital tool in providing effective dental care for children needing extensive procedures and those with special needs that make traditional dental visits challenging. Mauri Numminen, founder of Dental Hospital Unioni45, highlights the clinic's role in offering specialized dental care under general anesthesia, catering to both public sector clients and private patients across Finland.
However, there are concerns about access to timely dental care under general anesthesia, particularly in public services where wait times can be extensive.
Numminen stresses the importance of addressing oral health issues early to minimize the need for more invasive treatments later on.
Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall well-being, as poor oral hygiene has been linked to serious illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Initiatives like the Lumoral antibacterial method offer promising solutions to enhance oral self-care post-treatment, targeting harmful bacteria while preserving healthy oral flora.
Overall, while the demand for dental care under general anesthesia underscores significant challenges in pediatric dentistry, ongoing innovations and awareness efforts aim to mitigate these issues and promote better oral health practices from an early age.
