Tooth decay is a largely preventable issue, yet it remains one of the most common childhood health concerns in the UK. According to Public Health England, almost a quarter of five-year-olds have tooth decay, with an average of three or four affected teeth. Poor oral health can lead to pain, infections, difficulties in eating and sleeping, and even school absences later on. By embedding good oral hygiene practices in early years education, we can help lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Practical Strategies For Promoting Oral Health In Early Years Settings
Incorporate Oral Health Into Daily Routines
Children thrive on routine, so incorporating oral health into their daily activities can make a big impact. Here are some simple ways to do this:
Toothbrushing Clubs: Some nurseries and preschools introduce supervised toothbrushing schemes where children brush their teeth together after snack time. The NHS’s Brushing for Life programme and local authorities can provide guidance and resources for setting this up.
Morning and Afternoon Discussions: Use circle time to discuss why looking after teeth is important. Encourage children to talk about their own experiences with brushing their teeth at home.
Role Play and Dramatic Play: Setting up a ‘dentist’ corner in your role-play area, complete with oversized toothbrushes, mirrors, and models of teeth, can help children become familiar with dental care in a fun and non-intimidating way.
Use Stories, Songs And Interactive Activities
Children learn best through play and storytelling, so using engaging resources can help reinforce positive oral health messages. Some effective approaches include:
Storybooks about Teeth: Books such as Topsy and Tim: Go to the Dentist or Peppa Pig: Dentist Trip can help familiarise children with the concept of visiting the dentist and the importance of brushing.
Songs and Rhymes: Singing songs about brushing teeth, such as “This is the Way We Brush Our Teeth” to the tune of Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush, makes the routine fun and memorable.
Interactive Demonstrations: Use large models of teeth or puppets to demonstrate proper brushing techniques. Allow children to practise brushing a model to help them understand how to clean every surface of their teeth.
Engage Parents And Caregivers In Oral Health
The habits children develop at home play a crucial role in their oral health, so working in partnership with parents is essential. Here are some ways to encourage parental involvement:
Send Home Oral Health Tips: Share NHS-approved guidance on brushing techniques, fluoride toothpaste recommendations, and the importance of regular dental check-ups.
Host Parent Workshops: Invite a local dentist or dental nurse to talk to parents and answer any questions they might have about caring for their children’s teeth.
Encourage Families to Register with a Dentist: Some parents may not be aware that children should start visiting the dentist as soon as their first teeth appear. Remind families that NHS dental care is free for children and encourage them to book regular check-ups.
Promote Healthy Eating And Drinking
Diet plays a huge role in oral health. Sugary foods and drinks are a leading cause of tooth decay in young children. Early years settings can help promote healthy choices by:
Providing Tooth-Friendly Snacks: Encourage the consumption of cheese, plain yoghurt, vegetables, and fresh fruit rather than sugary treats.
Promoting Water and Milk: Discourage fizzy drinks, flavoured milk, and fruit juices, as these contain high amounts of sugar. Water and milk are the best drinks for young children.
Incorporating Food-Based Learning Activities: Teach children about foods that help keep their teeth strong and those that can cause damage. Simple activities, such as sorting pictures of foods into ‘healthy’ and ‘unhealthy’ categories, can make the message clear.
Utilising Available Resources On Oral Health
There are many free resources available to support early years settings in promoting good oral health:
- NHS Start4Life: Provides information for parents and carers about developing good oral health habits in young children.
- World Oral Health Day Resources: The official World Oral Health Day website provides posters, fact sheets, and activity ideas to help early years settings raise awareness.
- Dental Buddy: A programme run by the Oral Health Foundation offering educational resources, including lesson plans and activity sheets, tailored for early years and primary education.
- Mouth Heroes for Schools: A teaching resource designed for children aged 5–9, providing engaging activities and lesson plans to promote good oral hygiene.
Conclusion
Encouraging good oral health habits from a young age is one of the most effective ways we can support children’s long-term health and well-being. By integrating fun and engaging oral health activities into our early years settings, we can help children understand the importance of caring for their teeth and gums.
With World Oral Health Day approaching on 20th March, there is no better time to start! Taking small steps now can lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles for the children in our care.
