EN 
ES Dr. Arabella Michelén
Roles within the household have evolved significantly over the past decades. Today, we see parents who are more present, committed, and aware of their responsibility in the education, well-being, and health of their children. Tasks that once fell solely on the mother are now shared and lovingly assumed by both parents.
Oral health is not exempt from this transformation. While genetic factors have always played a 50/50 role, nowadays decisions related to oral prevention and treatment are made jointly, strengthening family dynamics and promoting a culture of self-care at home.
Health is not a matter of luck, but the result of multiple daily choices, big and small, that shape our overall well-being. Many of these decisions are made at home. Here are some key areas where a father’s role can make a significant difference:
Support from pregnancy
The active involvement of the father during pregnancy, including attending the mother’s dental visits, not only provides emotional support but also integrates him from the very beginning into the oral health care of the future baby. This participation reinforces the idea that oral health is the responsibility of both parents.
Choice of Pediatric Dentist
Choosing the right professional to care for children is a decision that directly affects their relationship with oral health. Being involved in this choice allows you to:
• Learn about the most appropriate treatments.
• Foster a trusting relationship between the child and their dentist.
• Prevent diseases from an early age.
• Establish healthy hygiene and eating habits.
Oral hygiene habits at home
Parental example is fundamental. A well-structured, guided, and shared routine teaches children that oral care is a part of daily life:
• Brushing at least twice a day with proper technique.
• Use dental floss as soon as the teeth come into contact.
• Active supervision in childhood.
• Change your toothbrush every 3 months or after going through a viral process.
• Parents who take care of their oral health raise children who do the same.
Healthy Eating
What is bought, how hygiene is maintained, what is cooked, and what is consumed at home directly influence oral health:
• Limit refined sugars, sugary drinks, and sticky candies.
• Encourage fruits, crunchy vegetables, water, and dairy products.
• Avoid giving a bottle with milk or juice before bedtime.
• Promote a varied and balanced diet as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Regular dental visits
Planning dental appointments together, at least twice a year, helps to:
• Prevent cavities and periodontal diseases.
• Detect bite or alignment problems early.
• Reduce the need for complex treatments in the future.
Positive family and emotional environment
In a home where self-care, prevention, and respect for health are valued, children grow up more aware:
• Talk naturally and without fear about the dentist.
• Reward good habits.
• Include oral health as part of comprehensive education.
Technology in the service of the family
Choosing dentists who use modern tools improves the experience for the whole family:
• 3D scanners, digital X-rays, and lasers for more comfortable and accurate diagnoses.
• At home, electric toothbrushes or apps that guide brushing are valuable allies, especially for children and adolescents.
Today, as we celebrate Father’s Day in the Dominican Republic, I gratefully congratulate all those men who, with tenderness and commitment, embrace their role in the comprehensive care of the family. Thank you for being present, for participating, and for setting an example.
A healthy and beautiful smile is also inherited… but, above all, it is learned at home.