Oral Health Starts in the Womb: Turkey Lags in Basic Brushing Time and Dentist Visits

WISE NEWS PRESS / ISTANBUL, TURKEY — Nov. 12, 2025

The foundations of oral and dental health are laid in the womb, and dietary habits and oral care are the keys not only to teeth but to overall health, according to Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Melike Özlem Eken of Istanbul Rumeli University's Oral and Dental Health Department.

Dr. Eken emphasizes that tooth development begins in utero and that the mother's nutritional habits directly affect the baby's dental health. She refuted the common belief during pregnancy that "every baby costs the mother one tooth," asserting that proper nutrition and regular oral care are paramount for both maternal and fetal health.

The Foundation of Dental Health is Laid in the Womb

Dr. Eken explained that hormonal changes during pregnancy can predispose women to dental decay. "During this period, a balanced diet must be developed to maintain oral hygiene. Foods rich in protein, Vitamins A, C, and D, and calcium must be consumed in sufficient amounts, vitamin supplements taken if necessary, and dental check-ups should not be neglected."

She cautioned that gingival diseases during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight, urging expectant mothers to pay special attention to oral care. Furthermore, parental knowledge about oral and dental health directly impacts their children's dental well-being.

We Are What We Eat: Diet and Teeth

Dr. Eken highlighted the strong relationship between oral health and nutrition. "Sugary and acidic foods adhere to the tooth surface, increasing the risk of decay. These types of foods should be consumed during main meals if possible, and foods that naturally clean the teeth, such as apples and carrots, should be preferred for snacks."

Two Minutes of Brushing for a Lifetime of Protection

The most fundamental principle of protecting oral and dental health is the regular removal of plaque from the tooth surface through brushing. Dr. Eken cited the American Dental Association, which recommends that teeth be brushed twice a day, after every meal, and for a minimum of two minutes.

"According to studies, the rate of people in Turkey who brush their teeth twice a day is only 36%, and the average brushing time remains at 30 seconds. These rates show why the risk of dental decay is so widespread."

She advised that the most common mistake during brushing is cleaning only the front surfaces while neglecting the inner and rear surfaces.

Low Usage of Essential Products

Dr. Eken pointed to the low usage rates of dental hygiene products in Turkey: "According to 2022 Ministry of Health data, while annual per capita toothpaste consumption in Germany is 457 milliliters, this rate is only 85 milliliters in Turkey. Furthermore, dental practices are not regularly used in approximately 25% of Turkish households."

Eken stressed the importance of efficacy over personal preference when choosing a toothbrush, advising brushes should be replaced every three months or after an infection. She also underscored that the regular use of interdental brushes and floss completes oral hygiene, and fluoridated toothpastes make teeth more resistant to decay.

Oral Health is the Mirror of the Body

Dr. Eken emphasized that oral and dental health are directly related to general health. "Gum diseases can lead to bacteria entering the bloodstream, causing infections in organs like the heart, kidneys, and lungs. This can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and vascular blockage."

She concluded that a two-way relationship exists between oral health and diabetes, where diabetes impairs oral health, and gum infections complicate blood sugar control. Research also suggests that chronic gingivitis may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Eken noted that missing teeth and gum problems can impair chewing function, leading to nutritional and digestive issues, while bad breath and aesthetic concerns can negatively affect an individual's self-confidence and psychological health.

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