Toothbrushing

Key messages:

• Brush all the surfaces of the teeth and gumline in small circles for around 2 minutes, twice a day - just before bedtime and at another time that fits in with your routine
• Children under 3 should use a smear of toothpaste containing no less than 1000ppm fluoride
• Children aged 3 and over should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing more than 1000ppm fluoride
• Use a toothpaste containing 1350-1500ppm fluoride for maximum prevention.  Most ‘own brand’ supermarket toothpastes are suitable and more affordable
• Spit out the toothpaste and do not rinse!
• Brush all the surfaces of the teeth. The parent/carer should sit the child on their lap or stand behind them and cradle the child’s head while brushing
• Persevere even if the child is uncooperative. Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is more important than good toothbrushing technique!
• Each family member should have their own toothbrush to stop spread of germs

Useful Links

Toothbrush Song from Hey Duggee

Dr. Ranj from Cbeebies can give you important dental care information for your children

How to care for the teeth of children aged 0-3 with Dr Ranj and Supertooth!

How to care for the teeth of children aged 3-6 with Dr Ranj and Supertooth!

How to care for the teeth children aged 7+ with Dr Ranj and Supertooth!

Diet: 

Key messages:

• Reduce the amount and frequency of having foods and drinks that contain sugar, only give sweet foods including dried fruit at mealtimes
• Squashes sweetened with sugar, fizzy drinks, soft drinks and juice drinks have no place in a child’s daily diet
• Limit the amount of fruit juice and/or smoothies your child drinks to a maximum of 150 mls (one portion) in total per day and drink it with meals to reduce the risk of tooth decay
• Always ask for sugar-free medicines

Useful Links

Sugar-the facts

Healthy Eating Right from the Start video (from Henry)

Change4Life can help you check how much sugar your family is having

Visiting the dentist:

Key Messages

• Adults should have a regular check-up at the dentist at least once every 2 years, and children at least once a year
• NHS dental treatment is free for children under 18 or under 19 and in qualifying full-time education
• Some adults can also get free NHS dental treatment
• Going to the dentist regularly helps the child become familiar with the dental environment, and enables the dentist to pick up on any problems as early as possible
• The dentist can paint fluoride varnish on children’s teeth to protect them from tooth decay.  All children over 3 should have it applied at least twice a year, and it may also be used for younger children at high risk of tooth decay.  Parents/carers should ask their dentist about fluoride varnish

Useful Links

Please click on the link & put in your postcode in to find a dentist

Please click on link for information on who is entitled to free NHS dental treatment

Here are some activities young children can do to support their learning and understanding of the importance of Oral Health

The fun fact file for children

At Kirton Nursery School we encourage and support the children to drink out of cups, not bottles. Please find some top tips to help you move your child from using a bottle to an open drinking cup

Bottle to Cup Leaflet