On many occasions, the promotion of oral health care is limited to campaigns in schools. It would be very interesting to plan the reading of articles about the importance of hygiene beyond isolated moments.
From a scientific article published in the journal Frontiers for Young Minds, titled “How Poor Oral Hygiene Can Lead to Bone Loss,” several key ideas can be drawn that may be useful in our classrooms.
Within our bones, there is a constant and necessary battle between two types of cells. On one hand, osteoblasts, which are the “builders” responsible for creating new bone to keep it strong. On the other hand, osteoclasts, the “demolishers,” whose function is to remove old or damaged bone. In a healthy body, both work in balance so that the skeleton renews itself properly.
When we do not brush our teeth properly, bacteria accumulate and form plaque. The presence of these bacteria causes inflammation and makes the “demolishers” (osteoclasts) become overactive, starting to destroy the alveolar bone faster than the “builders” can repair it. If the bone disappears, teeth lose their support, become loose, and may eventually fall out.
In this regard, and in connection with diet and lifestyle habits, it is important to instill these healthy habits from an early age. Bone loss can largely be prevented through proper oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and a balanced lifestyle that helps keep our cells working in harmony.
In short, promoting oral hygiene from an early age not only helps prevent dental problems, but also allows students to understand how their own bodies work and to adopt healthy lifestyle habits based on evidence. Schools play a key role in this process by creating learning environments where students can access scientific knowledge, where dialogue is encouraged, and where personal care is understood as an essential part of lifelong health and well-being.
Article translated from Periódico Educación
Teacher of Speech and Language and Early Childhood Education. Participant in the Valencia seminar “A muscles de gegants.”