Children’s Oral & Dental Care Ages 7–15 | Melsadent Clinic

7–15 years old children’s oral and dental care: How should it be? Get detailed information from Melsadent Clinic experts about tooth brushing, nutrition, preventive applications, regular check-ups and orthodontic follow-up.

The ages between 7–15 represent a critical period when milk teeth are replaced by permanent teeth (mixed dentition) and the risk of both cavities and orthodontic problems increases. Therefore, regular care and specialist follow-up are very important for children in this age group. As Melsadent Clinic, our goal is to clearly and understandably present to parents and children which steps should be taken during this period.

Tooth Development and Eruption Times

Tooth development in children can be examined in two main stages:

Milk teeth: Erupt on average between 6–12 months; all milk teeth are completed at age 3.

Permanent teeth: Start around age 6, and most are fully in place by ages 12–13.

Throughout this process, the timing of tooth eruption, jaw development and oral hygiene measures should be carefully monitored.

Caries and Oral Hygiene Statistics

According to a study in Istanbul, 86% of children aged 7–15 have dental caries, with a DMF index measured at 2.48 on average. In addition, the plaque index is 1.45, gingivitis index 0.43 and calculus index 0.06.

These figures reveal that the majority of children do not brush their teeth regularly and consciously.

Effective Preventive Care Steps

Tooth Brushing

Use an age-appropriate toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

For children aged 7–15, 1450 ppm fluoride toothpaste is generally recommended. Twice a day, a full brush length is sufficient.

Encourage the child to gain the habit of brushing with parental supervision.

Nutrition

Prefer fibrous and nutritious alternatives such as apples, carrots and nuts instead of sugary snacks (chocolate, wafers, etc.).

Preventive Applications

Fissure sealant: Applied to pits and fissures of teeth to reduce the risk of cavities.

Fluoride application: Can be done in gel or varnish form in a clinical setting; strengthens enamel and prevents decay.

Regular Check-Ups

The first pediatric dental examination should be carried out as soon as the first milk tooth erupts, around 6 months – 1 year.

In the 7–15 age period, check-ups should be scheduled every 3–6 months.

Orthodontic and Habit Follow-Up

Orthodontic examination is recommended around ages 7–8; early intervention can prevent long-term jaw and tooth alignment problems.

If habits such as thumb sucking or nail biting exist, they should be evaluated and managed by a pediatric dentist.

Traumatic Injuries and Emergency Intervention

This age group is physically active, so dental trauma (impact, fracture) is quite common.

After trauma, the tooth should be evaluated immediately by a pediatric dentist and radiographic assessment should be performed.

Education and Awareness

Parents and children should be educated about oral hygiene, nutrition, brushing techniques and preventive applications.

Verbal presentations, visual materials and practical training in collaboration with schools can be effective.

At Melsadent, we prioritize the following services in the field of pediatric oral health:

Personalized examination and treatment planning

Preventive applications: fissure sealant, fluoride services

Periodic follow-up and check-up programs

Parent and child education: conscious brushing, healthy nutrition guidance

Emergency intervention in traumatic situations and, if necessary, safe treatment under general anesthesia

Children aged 7–15 are in a critical transition period for dental health. During this period:

Regular brushing and proper nutrition,

Preventive applications and early orthodontic examinations,

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How should children aged 7–15 brush their teeth?
Children should brush their teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes. From age 7, they can brush on their own, but parental supervision should continue. Fluoride toothpaste should be used.

How can tooth decay be prevented in children?
With regular brushing, limiting sugary foods and drinks, regular dental check-ups, fluoride applications and fissure sealant treatments, the risk of tooth decay can be greatly reduced.

What is a fissure sealant and when should it be applied to children?
A fissure sealant is a protective material applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. It is ideal to apply when the 6-year molars erupt. It helps protect dental health by preventing decay.

At what age should orthodontic examination start in children?
Orthodontic examination is generally recommended around ages 7–8. At this age, early diagnosis of jaw development and tooth alignment can be made and more extensive treatments in the future can be prevented.

Is fluoride application harmful to children?
No. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and prevents decay. Fluoride applications performed under a dentist’s supervision are safe.

What should be done in case of dental trauma in children?
In case of a fall or impact leading to tooth fracture or avulsion, a dentist should be consulted immediately. A permanent tooth that has fallen out should be placed in milk and brought to the clinic.

Regular check-ups and awareness activities contribute greatly to maintaining long-term dental health. As Melsadent Clinic, we are ready to support children in growing up with healthy and happy smiles during this process.