The Ministry of Health announced on Apr. 18 that it is promoting healthy oral hygiene habits to help prevent cavities in young children. The initiative comes as data show that five out of ten children with baby teeth in the country have cavities.
Officials say this issue is a public health concern, and early prevention is key. The Ministry’s Directorate of Oral Health has launched information campaigns focused on proper tooth brushing starting at six months old, using fluoride toothpaste, and ensuring correct dosage—equivalent to a grain of rice for children under three years old and a pea-sized amount for those older than three.
“Cavities are a public health problem, a chronic non-communicable multifactorial disease. The lack of knowledge allows this disease to progress and, above all, it is preventable,” said Raquel Molfino Jara, director of Oral Health at the Ministry.
The ministry reports ongoing national campaigns aimed at educating families about correct brushing techniques, flossing, maintaining diets low in sugar, applying fluoride treatments, among other preventive measures. In 2025 alone, dental care was provided to nearly 700,000 children under seven years old; during the first quarter of 2026 another 175,000 children received dental services including fluoride application and cleaning procedures. Officials aim to surpass last year’s achievements.
The ministry also outlined five steps for effective brushing in children: practicing good hygiene by washing hands before brushing; standing behind the child with their head supported; using dental floss before brushing; lifting the upper lip to clean front teeth thoroughly twice daily; dosing toothpaste correctly based on age; and avoiding rinsing after brushing so that fluoride remains on tooth enamel.
