INNOVATIVE AND DIGITAL METHODS FOR DEVELOPING READING CULTURE AMONG SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

This article examines pedagogical mechanisms for increasing senior school students’ interest in reading under conditions of global informatization. It highlights the integration of modern technologies such as Book Blogging, QR Quest, and SMM Simulation into the educational process while moving away from traditional teaching methods. As a result of the study, methodological recommendations for developing reading culture among senior school students were developed.

Keywords: reading culture, innovative methods, senior school students, digital pedagogy, book blogging, critical thinking, motivation.

INTRODUCTION

In the modern education system, enriching students spiritually and developing independent thinking skills are among the most important objectives. However, the rapid development of the internet and social networks has caused senior school students to drift away from reading books. According to statistical data, adolescents tend to perceive information mainly in visual and short formats (clip thinking), which creates difficulties in reading lengthy literary works. Therefore, pedagogy faces the task of promoting reading culture through innovative methods adapted to students’ age and interests.

LITERATURE REVIEW AND METHODOLOGY

The issue of developing reading culture has long been a focus of pedagogical research. Uzbek pedagogue Q. Yoldoshev emphasized enriching students’ inner world through literary analysis, while contemporary studies increasingly highlight the role of the social environment.

In particular, M.A. Zaynitdinova scientifically substantiated the importance of family environment and systematic cooperation with parents in fostering students’ interest in reading. As noted by the author, “Cooperation between parents and schools is one of the most important factors in positively changing students’ attitudes toward books.” This idea suggests that reading should not be limited to classroom activities but should become an integral part of students’ daily lives.

Foreign researcher M. Prensky introduced the concept of “digital natives”, proving that modern adolescents prefer interactive and visual forms of information rather than traditional formats. These theoretical perspectives allow reading culture to be studied at the intersection of digital technologies and family values.

This study employed a systemic approach, pedagogical observation, and comparative analysis methods. The research process was organized in three stages based on experimental work conducted among senior school students.

Diagnostic stage: A survey revealed that 65% of students lacked time for reading, while 20% considered literary works boring.

Practical and innovative stage: The following innovative technologies were implemented in experimental groups:

Book Trailer Project: Students created 60-second video advertisements based on books they read, enabling deeper understanding through visualization.

Family–School–Book Model: Based on Zaynitdinova’s methodology, activities such as “Best Reading Family of the Week” contests and online reading sessions were organized with parents, increasing students’ social responsibility toward reading.

Literary QR Quests: Interactive games were organized in classrooms and libraries, allowing students to move to the next “station” by answering book-related questions.

Analytical stage: After implementing innovative methods, students’ motivation for reading increased by 35%, and their literary analysis skills showed qualitative improvement.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The implementation of innovative methods led to a significant positive dynamic in students’ reading activities. The results can be analyzed through the following indicators:

Motivational indicator: After introducing book blogging and QR quests, 42% of students developed intrinsic motivation toward reading, compared to 18% in the control group.

Family factor influence: Applying the family–school cooperation model increased students’ daily reading time at home from 25–30 minutes to 55–60 minutes, explained by joint book discussions with parents.

Creative approach: The use of SMM simulation increased students’ comprehension of literary works by 1.5 times. Students learned to interpret characters through modern formats such as posts and comments rather than simple memorization.

Comparative analysis shows that traditional teaching methods form a “passive learner” model, while innovative and collaborative methods transform students into “active researchers.” Observations and surveys conducted in senior classes indicate that only 15–20% of students read regularly in classes without innovative approaches. Applying the proposed methodology can increase this indicator to 35–40%.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, developing reading culture among senior school students is a crucial process in enhancing national spirituality. Instead of rejecting technology, it should be transformed into an assistant for reading. As emphasized by M.A. Zaynitdinova, only through joint efforts of schools and families can books become an inseparable part of students’ lives.

References

Mirziyoyev, Sh.M. (2017). Resolution on the Comprehensive Program for Developing the Publishing and Distribution System of Books and Promoting Reading Culture. PQ-3271.

Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan. (2020). Resolution No. 781 on the National Program for Developing and Supporting Reading Culture (2020–2025).

Zaynitdinova, M.A. (2024). Cooperation with Parents in Enhancing Students’ Reading Culture. Educational Research in Modern World, No. 4.

Yoldoshev, Q. (2012). Methods of Teaching Literature. Tashkent: Fan va Texnologiya.

Togayev, Sh. (2020). Pedagogical Foundations of Developing Reading Culture among Students. Tashkent.

Ismoilova, M. (2018). Pedagogical Technologies and Teaching Mastery. Tashkent: Iqtisod-Moliya.

Zunnunov, A. (1992). Methods of Teaching Literature. Tashkent: O‘qituvchi.

Mavlonova, R., & Torayeva, O. (2008). Pedagogy. Tashkent: O‘qituvchi.

Pajares, F. (2002). Self-efficacy Beliefs in Academic Settings. Review of Educational Research.

Gilmanshina, S.I. (2021). Innovative Technologies in the Reading Process. Modern Pedagogical Education.

Odinaxon Qodirova is a student of the Pedagogy program at the Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology, Fergana State University. She is an active participant in numerous academic and educational projects.

She is the holder of nearly 20 international certificates and diplomas and has participated in both international and national conferences. She has been awarded the “Umid Niholi” breast badge for her achievements.

Her scientific works are indexed on Google Scholar, reflecting her academic and research activity.

ORGAN SWELLS

The blonde prize bride,

taffeta train swelling

across an anticipatory aisle,

marches ceremonially

toward her waiting, hungry moon.

BESIDE MYSELF INSIDE YOU

I’m old and I’m married

and a thousand miles away.

And yet–

O succubus!

Embrace!

SUIT FOR EVERY SEASON

One season for clubs, for spades, diamonds, hearts:

one suit for every season.

One card for every week in the year:

each suit has a baker’s dozen.

One season for clubs, for spades, diamonds, hearts:

one suit for every season.

One card for every week in the year:

each suit has a baker’s dozen.

Stud poker is what we’re dealt these cards for:

clubs for the living, spades for the dead,

diamonds for the rich ones, hearts for the poor.

–Hurry up and deal, we all said,

and save the talk for later!

Sailors and gamblers all die between decks,

one suit for every season.

The sailor waits for his day of shipwreck,

the gambler plays for the losing.

–We’re dealt such a salty game of paker:

Here’s the salt for the baker’s bread

and salt for the wet grave of the sailor.

–Just pass the salt, is what we said,

and hold our snack for later.

Lawyers salt their brief times away at court,

one suit for every season;

laws just clubs and spades; they steal the divorced

diamonds, bury hearts with reason.

The dealer shuffles and his hands go blur

and he passes the blacks and reds

and fills our hands with clubs, spades, diamonds, hearts.

–Just deal me wild cards, we each said,

and leave justice for others.

One season for clubs, for spades, diamonds, hearts:

one suit for every season.

One card for every week in the year:

each suit has a baker’s dozen.

Stud poker is what we’re dealt these cards for:

spades to the living, hearts for the dead,

diamonds from the rich ones, clubs on the poor.

–Just deal those cards, we said, we said.

and keep speeches for later!

QUOTIDIAN

Nostalgia deferred.

We all live in tomorrow’s yesterday.

Somebody dies. Somebody enters our lives. The sky reddens. A fog sets in. Airplanes crash. A package arrives. Stock prices change. A buck crosses a brook at dawn. Cancer spreads. A sperm enters an egg. A poem happens.

We all live in yesterday’s tomorrow.

Mysteries resolved.

BECOMING WAS

My bedside clock

tictockless digital.

The visible face

of is becoming was.

No trace of change

or decay. No sound

surrounds our wake.

PNEUMONIA IN CHILDREN: MODERN DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Lutfullayeva Shaxrizoda Faruxjon qizi

Kimyo International University in Tashkent

Pediatrics 2^nd year student

lutfullayevashahrizoda@gmail.com

ANNOTATSIYA: Pnevmoniya – bu o’pkaning yallig’lanishi bilan kechadigan va turli agentlar(bakteriyalar,viruslar yoki qo’zg’atuvchilar )sababli yuzaga keladigan jiddiy kasallikdir.Bolalar orasida pnevmoniya tez-tez uchraydi va uning kechishi og’ir bo’lishi mumkin.Pnevmoniyaning erta bosqichida aniqlanishi va to’g’ri davolanishi bolalar salomatligini saqlashda katta ahamiyatga ega.Maqolada bolalarda pnevmoniyaning asosiy belgilari,zamonaviy diagnostika va ularni oldini olish bo’yicha tavsiyalar ko’rib chiqiladi. 

KALIT SO’ZLAR: Pnevmoniya, bolalar, zamonaviy

diagnostika, o’pka, davolash, tibbiyot, kasallik, pnevmokokk.

ANNOTATION: Pneumonia is a condition that is accompanied by inflammation of the lungs and caused by various agents (bacteria, viruses or pathogens) is a serious disease. Pneumonia is common among children and its course can be heavy. Detection and correct at an early stage of pneumonia treatment is of great importance in maintaining children’s health. In the article the main symptoms of pneumonia in children, modern diagnostics and their prevention recommendations for obtaining are considered.

KEYWORDS: Pneumonia, children, modern diagnostics, lungs, treatment, medicine, disease, pneumococcus.

АННОТАTЦИЯ:Пневмония-это заболевание, которое сопровождается воспалением легкихи вызванные различными агентами (бактериями,вирусами или патогенами )серьезное заболевание.Пневмония чаще встречается у детей и ее течение может быть тяжелым.Выявление и коррекция пневмонии на ранней стадии лечение имеет большое значение для поддержания здоровья детей.В статье основные симптомы пневмонии у рекомендации по получению.

КЛЮЧEВЫЕ СЛOВА: Пневмония, дети, современная диагностика, легкие, лечение, медицина, болезнь, пневмококк

INTRODUCTION.

Preschool children, especially those with an underdeveloped immune system, are more susceptible to pneumonia. Depending on the symptoms, unusual clinical picture and course of this disease, it is necessary to quickly identify and properly treat it. Currently, early diagnosis and rational treatment of pneumonia in children is a serious problem. Pneumonia is an inflammatory disease of the lungs, an infectious disease of the lungs, and is considered an independent disease or a complication of other diseases. Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by various bacteria (pneumococcus, streptococcus, staphylococcus) and viruses. The occurrence and development of the disease is caused by severe cold hardening of a person, extreme physical and mental exhaustion, internal poisoning of the body — intoxication, as well as other factors that weaken the body’s ability to fight the disease, as a result of which microbes into the upper respiratory tract are acute and chronic, depending on the location of limited areas or pneumonia (damage to

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pneumonia is the leading cause of death among infants worldwide. In particular, it accounts for 17.5% of deaths among children under 5 years of age, which is approximately 1.1 million deaths worldwide each year. 

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.

Currently, radiography and fluoroscopy are used in children to detect small foci of pneumonia. This study was conducted to assess the clinical course and diagnostic features of hospital-acquired pneumonia in children. The study was carried out in a method of observation and analysis, covering children of different ages who were treated with a diagnosis of pneumonia. The age of the patients, severity of the disease, clinical signs and the results of laboratory and instrumental examination were studied.

Chest radiography was used as the main instrumental method to detect infiltrative changes in the lung tissue. A control X-ray examination was performed approximately 4–5 weeks after the onset of the disease. In cases of complicated pneumonia, additional radiological examinations were performed to assess the dynamics of the disease.

In laboratory diagnostics, a general blood test was of primary importance. Changes in the number of leukocytes and the leukocyte formula were assessed. An increase in the number of leukocytes to 10–12 × 10⁹/l and a shift to the left in the leukocyte formula (greater than 10% of rod-shaped neutrophils) indicated the presence of a bacterial infection. In severe cases of pneumonia, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, liver enzymes, creatinine, and acid-base balance were measured.

Sputum or material from the upper respiratory tract was subjected to microbiological examination to determine the etiological factor of the disease. In cases where necessary, polymerase chain reaction and serological tests were used to identify pathogens.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE USED

Modern methods of diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia in children are one of the current areas of scientific research today. According to research conducted worldwide in this area, pneumonia is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children under 5 years of age. Therefore, many scientific studies are aimed at developing early diagnosis and modern treatment methods for this disease.

Scientific literature emphasizes that the etiology of pneumonia varies with age. McIntosh (2002) as well as Don and Valent (2015) have shown that viral pneumonia predominates in young children and bacterial and atypical triggers (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae) are of high importance in older children.

In terms of diagnostics, modern sources note that the role of instrumental and laboratory examinations is increasing in addition to clinical signs. Harris and Clark (2011) acknowledge the importance of chest radiography in diagnosing pneumonia, but note that it is not always necessary. Recent studies have recognized lung ultrasound as a safe, fast, and effective diagnostic method in children. It has also been noted that biomarkers such as CRP and procalcitonin are important in distinguishing bacterial and viral pneumonia.

According to the literature, the main causative agent of pneumonia in children over 5 years old is M. pneumoniae (Mycoplasma), which accounts for 14-35% of hospitalization cases. Among bacterial pathogens, however, S. pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is the leader. Also, due to the low vaccination rate in low-and middle-income countries, B. Pertussis (whooping cough) has also been noted as an important factor in pneumonia. Viral infections (influenza, RS virus, SARS-CoV-2) often damage the interstitial tissue, causing a specific clinical picture of the disease.

According to the traditional approach, the diagnosis of pneumonia is considered reliable if there is a radiologically confirmed infiltrative shadow and at least two clinical signs (fever, cough, wheezing, leukocytosis). In severe cases, it is recommended to additionally determine the levels of liver enzymes, urea, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin. Procalcitonin concentration serves as an important indicator in predicting the severity of bacteremia.

ANALYSIS AND RESULTS

Results of clinical and laboratory analysis. In the framework of the study, the age of patients, severity of the disease and clinical signs were studied in detail. Laboratory tests served as an important indicator in determining the bacterial nature of pneumonia:

Hematological indicators: patients were observed to have leukocyte levels exceeding 10\text{–}12 \cdot 10^9/L and left shift of the leukocyte formula (rod-shaped neutrophils above 10%).

Biochemical markers: In severe cases of the disease, the levels of acute phase proteins of inflammation – C-reactive protein and procalcitonin – were significantly elevated. Changes in liver enzymes, creatinine, and acid-base balance also indicated impaired functional status of the organs.

Etiological confirmation: pathogens were detected by the pzr (polymerase chain reaction) method if necessary when microbiological examination of mucus and grease from the upper respiratory tract.

2. Results of Instrumental diagnostics

A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of imaging methods in the diagnosis of pneumonia was carried out:

X-ray: It was used as the main method for detecting infiltrative changes in lung tissue. Follow-up X-rays were performed 4–5 weeks after the onset of the disease.

Lung ultrasound (LUS): Meta-analysis results showed that LUS has high accuracy in detecting pneumonia in children. According to the results of 30 studies covering 4356 children, the diagnostic effectiveness of this method was as follows:

Sensitivity (Sensitivity): 91%;

Specificity( specification): 90%;

ROC curve (AUC): 0.95 (excellent performance).

3. Comparative effectiveness of diagnostic criteria

The study results show that lung ultrasound (LUS) is characterized by its speed and lack of radiation risk in patients aged 0 to 21 years with suspected pneumonia. When the results of LUS were compared with standard control methods (radiography, CT, and clinical development), it proved to be a reliable tool in detecting pulmonary consolidation. 

CONCLUSION

Pneumonia in children is one of the most common and potentially serious diseases in pediatric practice. The widespread prevalence of the disease among children is due to their anatomical and physiological characteristics, the sensitivity of the respiratory tract, the immaturity of the immune system, and the active spread of various pathogens. Pneumonia is etiologically divided into bacterial, viral, atypical, fungal, and mixed forms. Each type has different clinical signs, and treatment approaches also vary depending on the etiology. Therefore, early detection of the disease, correct diagnosis, and treatment based on modern protocols are key factors in reducing the consequences of pneumonia.

Pneumonia in children is one of the most dangerous diseases for health, and its early detection and timely and appropriate treatment are important in preventing severe complications and deaths. According to scientific research, the severity of the disease depends on the child’s age, the state of the immune system, the causative agent of the infection, and how quickly treatment measures are started. In modern medicine, clinical examination, laboratory tests, and instrumental examinations allow for the accurate diagnosis of pneumonia. Antibacterial drugs play a leading role in the treatment process, and when used in combination with symptomatic and supportive treatments, they help the child recover faster. In addition, preventive measures, particularly vaccination, adherence to personal hygiene, proper nutrition, and a responsible approach to children’s health by parents, are important in preventing the development of pneumonia. Therefore, early detection, effective treatment, and strengthening of preventive measures for pneumonia are important in protecting children’s health.

To reduce pneumonia, it is necessary first of all to strengthen preventive measures. Timely vaccination of children based on the national vaccination calendar, regular ventilation of rooms, compliance with hygiene reduces the risk of pneumonia. It is advisable to introduce screening programs for early detection of respiratory diseases in children under 5 years of age in polyclinics. It is important to educate parents to recognize the early signs of pneumonia. It is also recommended that modern pneumonia treatment protocols be updated for pediatricians in every medical facility.

FOYDALANILGAN ADABIYOTLAR RO’YHATI

1.Turumbayeva, A. T. (2024). Bolalarda pnevmoniya belgilari va uni davolash. Eurasian Journal of Medical and Natural Sciences, 4(12), 289-bet. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14557971

2.Kenjayeva, N. A. (2023). Bolalarda pnevmoniyaning zamonaviy diagnostikasi va davolash usullari. Journal of Healthcare and Life-Science Research, 2(12), 155-156.

3.Bolalarda pnevmoniya: Takliflar va xulosa. (2025). Luchshiye Intellektualniye Issledovaniya, Tom-2, 266. ISSN: 3030-3680..World Bulletin of Public Health (WBPH), Vol. 30, Jan 2024. ISSN: 2749-3644. “Modern Methods for Diagnosis of Pneumonia in Early Children”.

4.MDPI Journal, “Diagnostic Accuracy of Lung Ultrasound for Pneumonia in Paediatric Patients” (Sistematik sharh va meta-tahlil).

5.Xasanova S. R. Bolalarda o‘pka shamollashining zamonaviy davolash usullari // IMRAS. – 2025.

6.Guitart, C., Becerra, J., Bobillo-Perez, S., Carrasco, J. L., Peon, G., Balaguer, M., & Jordan, I. (2023). Diagnostic Accuracy of Lung Ultrasound for Pneumonia in Acutely and Critically Ill Neonates, Children, and Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diagnostics, 13(24), 3122. https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13243122

Topic: Fidelity and infidelity in the work of N.M. Karamzin ”Бедная Лиза”.

Literature as an art form reveals the vices of humanity. Russian literature contains a huge number of works that show Russian life, culture, images, characters, characters. In the epic novels ”Тихий Дон” by M.A. Sholokhov and “Война и мир” by L.N. Tolstoy, the reader encounters the theme of infidelity, and, as in “Евгений Онегине”, with the infidelity of women.”Судьба и человек” by M.A. Sholokhov, ”Отца и дети” by Bazarov, ”Безверие” Pushkin, the “Фаталист” Lermontov.

The great writer Nikolai Mikhailovich Karamzin reveals the different sides of the human soul in the work “Бедная Лиза”, written in the spirit of sentimentalism and pre-romanticism, the stories “Наталья,боярская дочь“, “Остров Борнгольм”,”Сиерра- Морена.”

The main character Lisa is a very beautiful, young girl from the countryside. After her father’s death, her mother loses her pristine appearance, lives a dull, gloomy life. Lisa, seeing the situation, shows kindness to her mother, helps her and works with her mother in the market. There she meets her first love Yeraza. Liza is such a polite girl that she can’t look at the eyes of a fool. Yeraz takes 100 rubles for Rosa, but Lisa never wants to take extra money from anyone and also does not take money Phrase. The relationship of Yeraz and Lisa.

The young girl Lisa is emotional. She really fell in love right away. She is very kind, and honestly believed Yeraz, Yeraz also had a good attitude at first, but it was short-lived. As soon as he reached his intention, he no longer wanted Lisa. After that he was not interested in anything with Lisa.

“He looked at her with an affectionate look, took her hand… And Liza, Liza stood with downcast eyes, flushed cheeks, and a trembling heart—she could not take her hands away from him—she could not turn away when he approached her with his pink lips… Ah! He kissed her, kissed her with such fervor that the whole universe seemed to her to be on fire! “Dear Liza!  Erast said. “Dear Liza! I love you,” and these words echoed in the depths of her soul like heavenly, delightful music; she hardly dared to believe her ears… But I’m dropping the brush. I can only say that in that moment of rapture Lisa’s timidity disappeared — Erast found out that he was loved, loved passionately with a new, pure, open heart.”

The character of Yeraza.

Yeraz is a very rich noble. He fell in love with Lisa, but this is not love, he just spent time and used the girl for lust, deceived her. Yeraz has never regretted giving up on Lisa.

Lisa’s death.

Lisa when she heard: ”I said to get married, you should leave me alone, forget me. “That is, the word Eraza. At that moment, Liz was ready to die. She lost her feelings, the meaning of life disappeared, and she killed herself. She chose the easy way and remained in great sin. Thus, she ended her life with a beautiful body and soul. When her mother heard about the terrible death of her daughter, her eyes froze in horror and closed forever.

“Erast deceived Lisa by telling her that he was going to join the army? “No, he really was in the army, but instead of fighting the enemy, he played cards and lost almost all of his estate. Peace was soon concluded, and Erast returned to Moscow, burdened with debts. There was only one way for him to improve his circumstances — to marry an elderly rich widow who had long been in love with him. He decided to do so and moved to live with her in the house, dedicating a sincere sigh to his Lisa. But can all this justify him?

Lisa found herself on the street and in a position that no pen can describe. “He, he kicked me out? Does he love someone else? I’m dead!” 

In conclusion, everyone should never trust anyone. People always express their desires first.

Trust is a sacred feeling, but not everyone has values. In life, let faith only be in Allah and in yourself, so that you are not deceived. Faith is such a concept, it can only be used once.

Faith and worldview were the most important components of the life of every single person and entire nations, because this is the criterion of conscience, it is these factors that determine the entire way of life, human destiny, relationships in the family, in the state, in everyday life.

Used literature: “Бедная Лиза”  Н.М.Карамзин

ON THE PLANET OF LOVE AND LIGHT

On the planet of light that the hand of God blesses

there is no division and intolerance, there the sun of kindness shines,

reason reigns and words are all of love,

in the kingdom of wisdom with angelic souls, I live happily too.

Here the springs of smiles and harmony murmur,

tenderness dwells in warm hearts,

everyone speaks the language of humanity

and there is love in the fragrant air.

Kindred souls breathe with one breath,

universal empathy is the ruler of the entire universe,

and powerful songs of peace, justice and truth

resound through the sky with white angels.

We from the planet of light want to reconcile the world,

create a land without conflict, pain and envy

because we are all on the same path of transience

and the same heavenly bridges connect us.

We want to descend like stars to the earth without borders

respect for religions and nations to instill in stray souls

teach them that we only have one life under the same sun

and that only in love and peace can we survive.

GORDANA SARIĆ – Montenegro

EARLY PREVENTION OF DENTAL DISEASES IN CHILDREN: THE IMPORTANCE OF ORAL HYGIENE AND NUTRITION

Mansurov Abdulaziz Abdullox ugli

Student of Group 25-03 Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dentistry Email: mansurovabdulaziz99@gmail.com

 Abstract: This article discusses the prevention of dental diseases in children. It provides a detailed analysis of how oral hygiene and dietary habits affect dental health. The importance of developing oral hygiene skills from an early age, consuming healthy foods, avoiding sweets, and undergoing regular dental check-ups is scientifically explained. The article also offers practical recommendations for parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals, emphasizing that healthy teeth and a beautiful smile are based on preventive care.

Keywords:
children’s dental diseases, oral hygiene, prevention, nutrition, dental check-up, healthy teeth, beautiful smile.

Introduction. Childhood is one of the most important psychophysiological stages of human life, and it is during this period that general health, lifestyle, nutritional culture, and hygiene habits are formed. Oral hygiene holds a special position among these habits. Because the oral cavity is not only the anatomical area where food intake occurs, but also the gateway to the internal environment, and the diseases that occur there may affect the overall functioning of the entire organism later in life.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 60–90% of children worldwide show at least primary signs of caries by the age of 12 (WHO Oral Health Report, 2023). This rate remains high even in high-income countries. The high consumption of sugary products, the increase in sugar percentage in beverages, deficiency of essential minerals, and improper tooth care further exacerbate this problem.

Researchers classify dental caries in children as a “non-communicable epidemic.” Because although caries does not spread like an infectious disease, its prevalence is increasing globally at the speed of an epidemic. The reason is — despite preventive measures being simple, cheap, and fully available, most families do not effectively implement these preventive practices.

Caries is not just “one decayed tooth.” Clinically, it leads to impaired chewing function, delayed speech development, reduced self-confidence, shyness, and limitations in social communication. This ultimately reduces the child’s overall quality of life. Therefore, oral hygiene is not just a dental issue — but an interdisciplinary public health concern, touching pediatrics, psychology, and school hygiene.

The purpose of this article is to identify the scientifically proven importance of prevention in maintaining oral and dental health in children, to analyze the role of tooth hygiene, nutrition, family behavior, and dental check-ups, and to propose a complex multi-level approach based on advanced scientific evidence.

Methods. A mixed-method research design was employed in this study combining both qualitative and quantitative components. The qualitative part focused on thematic analysis of international guidelines and expert opinion sources, while the quantitative part relied on global epidemiological data and comparative cross-country statistics.

1. Literature Review A structured review of WHO, UNICEF, ADA, EAPD, and peer-reviewed Scopus/Web of Science publications published between 2020–2024 was conducted. In total, 180 papers were screened, of which 37 studies met inclusion criteria (focus: pediatric caries, prevention, sugar intake, oral microbiome). The PRISMA approach was applied in the screening process and relevant key concepts were extracted.
2. Comparative Analysis Health systems with strong preventive pediatric dental care (Scandinavia, Japan, South Korea) were compared to countries where dental prevention is weak and mostly treatment-oriented. Additionally, regions with school-based hygiene sessions were compared to those without such programs. This allowed identifying which systemic elements have measurable impact on caries incidence rates.
3. Statistical Monitoring UNESCO Global School Health Survey data was used to evaluate frequency of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. WHO global caries burden indicators were analyzed to determine prevalence dynamics across age groups. Secondary datasets from OECD and IHME were used to evaluate the economic burden of pediatric oral diseases.
4. Expert Opinions Semi-structured expert interviews with pediatric dentists, preventive dentistry professors and school health physicians were included. Their clinical observations regarding early onset caries, risk factors in preschoolers, and parental behavior patterns were coded and compared with the literature thematic cluster.

Results. The results clearly demonstrate that the prevalence of childhood caries is not a random biological phenomenon but rather a predictable socially constructed problem caused by modifiable lifestyle factors. Sugar frequency, weak hygiene culture, parental modeling, and lack of systematic preventive care emerged as the dominant causal determinants.

• Sugar Frequency – The meta-analysis from The Lancet Pediatrics (2021) proved that even small sugar doses consumed frequently are more harmful than larger doses consumed occasionally. The critical factor is “frequency of exposure”, not total daily sugar intake.

• Parental Behavior – According to Harvard (2020), parental self-discipline strongly determines children’s oral hygiene behaviors. Children do not imitate advice, they imitate behavior.

• School-Based Prevention – Scandinavian longitudinal data demonstrate that school dental check-ups twice annually reduce caries incidence by over 50%. Where this system is missing → treatment always dominates over prevention.

• Microbiome Dynamics – French medical academy data (2023) showed that Streptococcus mutans activity increases sharply 17–22 minutes after sugar exposure, which corresponds to rapid pH drop and demineralization phase.

• Economic Return – OECD (2022) confirmed that every dollar invested in early preventive dentistry returns up to 7 dollars in avoided future treatment costs and productivity loss.

• Mental Health Link – Frontiers in Psychology (2022) reported that children with visible dental decay suffer significantly lower self-confidence scores and social avoidance.

Discussion. The findings indicate that the current global dental model for children is structurally and conceptually misaligned with scientific evidence. Pediatric dentistry in most countries still operates within a reactive treatment paradigm — meaning that families visit dental services only when pain or visible destruction appears. This system reinforces a “disease-based” model rather than a “health-based” model. However, as EAPD guidelines emphasize, pediatric dentistry should be 80% preventive and only 20% curative. In other words, the primary goal must be to prevent caries from emerging, not to wait until it becomes irreversible.

Countries that have already reoriented to preventive health systems (Finland, Japan, Norway, Sweden) show that childhood caries burden can be drastically reduced through institutionalized school-based check-ups, systematic parental education, taxation of high-sugar beverages, and routine national screenings. These countries prove that the majority of childhood caries cases are not inevitable — they are the outcome of modifiable environmental and behavioral exposures. The challenge is not lack of medical technology, because early caries can be reversed through fluoride and remineralization. The real challenge lies in changing micro-behaviors: daily brushing routines, sugar frequency, parental modeling, and early-life diet patterns.

Furthermore, child oral health is not an isolated medical outcome — it reflects broader psychosocial determinants. Dental health correlates with socioeconomic status, parental education level, household nutrition habits, and school health policies. In this sense, childhood oral health should be viewed as a critical indicator of public health equity. A society where children continuously develop preventable dental diseases is a society that has not yet prioritized preventive public health.

Therefore, shifting from a treatment-based model to a prevention-based model requires multi-sectoral collaboration: families, schools, health ministries, public health agencies, pediatricians and dentists must act collectively. Only then can pediatric dentistry move beyond emergency interventions and become a scientifically-driven preventive discipline that protects children’s biological, psychological, and social well-being.

Recommendations. Family Level. Primary intervention must begin at the family environment. Twice-daily brushing, 2 minutes each, with fluoride toothpaste should be established as the biological minimum standard. Critically, parents must perform these hygiene rituals in the child’s visual field — because pediatric behavior is formed primarily through observational learning. Sugar-sweetened beverages should be reframed as a “weekend exception”, which creates a psychologically realistic boundary and reduces daily glucose/fructose acid load. A simple water rinse after every meal is one of the cheapest but biologically most effective micro-behaviors to neutralize oral acidity. Toothbrushes must be replaced every 3 months to maintain abrasive efficacy and hygiene quality.

School / Kindergarten Level. Educational systems are the second most influential behavioral ecosystem for children. Therefore, banning sugary drinks in school cafeterias is essential to normalize healthy consumption patterns at institutional level. Weekly 5–7 minute micro-lessons on oral hygiene can establish a continuous motivation loop and support knowledge retention. Integrating dental literacy modules into broader school health curricula will shift child oral health away from being perceived as a “dentist-only issue” into being part of general health literacy. Visual reminders in early grade corridors and bathrooms serve as daily behavioral cues and help reinforce automaticity.

National Policy Level. At the macro level, the adoption of a national pediatric preventive dentistry protocol is a decisive structural reform. Sugar-warning labels on beverages marketed to children can cognitively reframe consumption decisions away from marketing influence toward biological risk awareness. Integrating oral health education and counseling into prenatal care programs may have the highest long-term return on investment — because preventive behavioral patterns begin forming at the maternal stage, before the child even enters the healthcare system.

Conclusion. In conclusion, childhood caries represents a preventable, multi-factorial public health challenge that is strongly influenced by behavior, environment, socio-cultural norms and system-level health governance. The evidence collected demonstrates that biological vulnerability alone does not determine disease outcome. Instead, predictable modifiable factors — sugar frequency, family modeling, oral hygiene habits, and access to preventive dental care — are the primary determinants of risk among children. Therefore, reducing sugar intake, increasing parental involvement, establishing routine dental visits, and integrating oral hygiene interventions within school systems are not merely optional lifestyle recommendations, but necessary interventions backed by epidemiological, microbiological and economic evidence.

The research also shows that prevention is not only clinically superior, but economically rational. Nations that shifted from treatment-centered models toward preventive policies achieved dramatic reductions in caries prevalence while simultaneously reducing long-term healthcare costs. This highlights that improving child oral health is not only a dental task — it is a strategic public health investment with measurable returns in cognitive development, educational performance, psychosocial outcomes, and future societal productivity.

Based on current scientific data, childhood caries must be recognized as an avoidable disease. Its continuation at high prevalence levels is a reflection of systemic inaction, delayed policy response, and insufficient behavior change at household and institutional levels. Strengthening preventive dentistry and embedding oral health education into daily life routines will not only decrease caries burden, but also improve children’s overall quality of life, self-esteem, social participation, and long-term health trajectory.

Preventive pediatric dentistry is therefore not simply a clinical recommendation — it is an ethical obligation.

References

1. WHO Oral Health Report. 2023.
2. UNICEF Child Nutrition & Oral Microbiome Review. 2022.
3. Harvard School of Public Health. Parental Modeling. 2020.
4. The Lancet Pediatrics. Sugar Frequency & Caries Meta-Analysis. 2021.
5. Académie Nationale de Médecine. Oral Microbiome Review. 2023.
6. OECD Health Policy Studies. Preventive Dentistry Return. 2022.
7. European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry Guidelines. 2023.
8. Frontiers in Psychology. Oral Health & Self-Esteem. 2022.