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Oral health for toddlers and pre-schoolers

Key health professionals involved here are:
  • Nursery nurses
  • Early years staff
  • Teaching staff.
Toothbrushing

Key messages:

  • Brush all the surfaces of the teeth and gum line in small circles for around two minutes, twice a day - just before bedtime and at another time that fits in with your routine
  • Children under three should use a smear of toothpaste containing no less than 1000ppm of fluoride
  • Children aged three and over should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing more than 1000ppm of fluoride
  • Use a toothpaste containing 1350ppm to 1500ppm of 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 fluoride toothpaste is more important than a good toothbrushing technique!
  • Each family member should have their own toothbrush to stop the spread of germs.

Linked resources: 

Diet: 

Key messages:

  • Foods that are high in sugar and fat will provide extra energy but few nutrients
  • High sugar intakes often lead to tooth decay and can lead to obesity in children
  • It is important to avoid giving your child frequent sugary drinks, snacks or sweets to protect their teeth and overall health.
  • If you want to give them something sugary, it is best to limit these to twice per week or at mealtimes.
  • Always ask for sugar-free medicines.

Linked resources:

Visiting the dentist:

Key Messages

  • Children should visit the dentist when their first tooth appears, or by their first birthday

  • Regular visits help children get familiar with the environment - new places can sometimes feel scary for little ones, so talking about it or reading books about going to the dentist can be useful

  • Be positive about the visit, and make it fun! Try to avoid making comments like “I hated the dentist” or “The dentist is scary”- children can be influenced by this negativity

  • The dentist can paint fluoride varnish on children’s teeth to protect them from tooth decay.  All children over three 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.

Linked resources: