Oral Health in Early Years, at Banana Moon Bromley
What are good oral health habits?
Oral health now forms part of the Early Years Statutory Framework. This is because good oral health habits need to be started from the earliest age. Tooth decay is mostly preventable but can still be a serious problem among young children.
Children who have toothache or need treatment for their teeth may have pain or infections and this can lead to problems eating, socialising, and learning.
At Banana Moon Bromley, we promote oral health as part of our everyday provision, during play, when we practice self-care, healthy eating and physical development. The children regularly brush the teeth of our dolls, and we have books on teeth and about visiting the dentist.
Did you know? Primary teeth are baby’s first set of teeth, their baby teeth. From age 6 months to 30 months primary, baby teeth come through, and from 6 years to 13 years, most permanent (adult teeth come through), with wisdom teeth from 17 years onwards.
Baby teeth are very important, and studies have shown that children who have decay in primary teeth are more likely to get decay in their permanent teeth. Tooth brushing helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Did you know? A sucking habit after the age of 7 years old can cause permanent changes in the position of adult teeth. Dummies can generally cause less problems than thumb sucking but should be discouraged as children get older.
Our top tips for parents:
· Take your child to the dentist once their first tooth comes through, and by the age of 1, so they can get used to the experience.
· The dentist may suggest painting on fluoride gel on the teeth to reduce the chances of developing tooth decay.
· Did you know NHS dental check ups with treatment are FREE for children under 18 and pregnant mothers, until your baby’s first birthday!
· Toothbrushing should start as soon as the first baby tooth comes through.
· Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day, lasting about 2 minutes. If you need to help to make this more fun, try the BrushDJ app (
www.brushdj.com). Brush DJ is a free toothbrush timer app that plays 2 minutes of music and can set reminders to brush twice a day!
· Encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste and not rinse with water as this will allow the fluoride in the toothpaste to stay on the teeth longer.
· An adult should supervise children with toothbrushing until at least 7 years old.
· Toothpaste contains fluoride, which prevents tooth decay. A smear of toothpaste is suitable for 0 – 3 year olds and a pea sized amount for 3 – 6 year olds.
· The amount of fluoride is written on the packaging, toothpaste that contains 1350ppm to 1500ppm fluoride, gives the best protection.
· A toothbrush with a small size head and medium bristles helps make toothbrushing more effective.
Changes to diet can have a significant impact on tooth decay:
· Limit sugary food to main meals
· Reducing the number of times sugary food or drinks are consumed
· Drink only milk and water (sugary drinks should not be in a child’s diet)
At Banana Moon Bromley, only milk and water are offered to the children.
