Oral Health
Nationally, a quarter of 5 year olds have tooth decay when they start school. Tooth decay is largely preventable. Poor oral health can affect children’s ability to sleep, eat, speak, play and socialise with other children. Early Years settings can support good oral health by running supervised toothbrushing, reminding parents that children should brush twice a day and enjoy a diet low in sugar.
National Guidance
Child Dental Health resource from Public Health England’s Health Matters sets out clear guidance on how to prevent tooth decay in young people
Delivering better oral health: an evidence-based toolkit for prevention by Public Health England and the Department of Health
Improving oral health: supervised toothbrushing programme toolkit by Public Health England
Advice and resources
As soon as teeth erupt in the mouth they should be brushed twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste. Parents or carers should brush or supervise toothbrushing. The frequency and amount of sugary food and drinks should be reduced to protect teeth. From six months of age infants should be introduced to drinking from a free-flow cup, and from one year feeding from a bottle should be discouraged.
Supervised tooth brushing programme handbook: Local standards for nursery and pre-school, and parent/carer supervised toothbrushing consent form.
Dental Hygiene advice from Wessex Healthier Together
Looking after your children’s teeth factsheet from Institute of Health Visiting to download
PACEY spotlight on Oral Health
Oral Health Foundation Dental Buddy Early Years Foundation Stage resources and lesson plans
Growing Up with Healthy Teeth video by HENRY
Video: How to care for the teeth of children aged 0-3 with Dr Ranj and Supertooth
Video: How to care for the teeth of children aged 3-6 with Dr Ranj and Supertooth
Managing sugar intake
Change4Life Sugar Facts and the sugar calculator
Free e-learning
Children's Oral Health Advice. This short module provides information and advice about children’s oral health. It is aimed at parents, expectant mothers, early years healthcare workers, teachers, nurses, GPs and the public. Delivered by e-Learning for Health.