Oral Health

Good oral health in childhood means healthy teeth and gums throughout life.

Teaching children good oral health is an important part of general health and wellbeing. It contributes to the development of a healthy child and school readiness.

Oral Health for Parents

Although oral health is improving in England almost a quarter (24.7%) of 5-year old’s have tooth decay, meaning 1 in 4 will have tooth decay when they start school.  In fact, every 10 minutes a child in England has a rotten tooth removed. It is the most common reason that children aged between five and nine need treatment in hospital.

Poor oral health impacts on children and family’s wellbeing and is almost totally preventable. Children who have tooth ache or who need treatment due to poor oral health may have to be absent from school.

Top 3 interventions for prevention tooth decay

Teaching your children proper oral care at a young age is an investment in their lifelong health. Try anything that makes taking care of teeth fun, like brushing along with your child or letting them choose their own toothbrush. 

Reduce the consumption of foods and drinks that contain sugar

Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, last thing at night and at least one other time

Take your child to the dentist when the first tooth erupts and then on a regular basis

Parents/carers should brush or supervise tooth brushing until their child is at least 7

NHS Advice

Take care of your health and gums

Resources for Schools on Oral Health
Dental Buddy

A series of education resources for Early Year’s Education, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2

PHE School Zone

Public Health England – Keeping our teeth healthy

e-Bug

Prevention of infection: oral hygiene lesson plan for KS2

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