The Importance of Children’s Oral Health & How to Encourage Good Habits

Children’s oral health: The Importance of Children’s Oral Health & How to Encourage Good Habits

At Happy Days Nurseries, we understand that developing healthy habits in early childhood lays the foundation for lifelong well-being. One crucial aspect of this is good oral health. As part of our Where Children Shine curriculum, we incorporate the Cornwall Healthy Under Fives Programme and the Dental Buddy Programme, accredited by the Oral Health Foundation, to teach children the importance of looking after their teeth.

Why Children’s Oral Health Matters

Focus on the importance of children’s oral health and its impact on overall well-being.

Tooth decay is largely preventable, yet it remains one of the most common health issues among young children. In England:

• Nearly a quarter of 5-year-olds have tooth decay.
• On average, affected children have three to four decayed teeth.
• Tooth extraction is one of the most common procedures for children under six in hospital settings.

Poor oral health can lead to pain, infections, and difficulties with eating and speaking, affecting a child’s overall health, confidence, and well-being. Ensuring children develop good brushing habits early on can prevent these problems and set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Tips for Encouraging Healthy Oral Habits in Children

Practical ways to promote children’s dental care and good oral hygiene.

Making oral hygiene fun and engaging helps children form positive habits that last. Here are some practical ways to encourage proper dental care:

1. Start Brushing Early

From the moment first teeth appear, begin brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. For children under three, use a rice grain-sized amount of toothpaste, increasing to a pea-sized amount from age three onwards.

2. Make Brushing a Fun Activity

• Use a colourful toothbrush or one with their favourite character.
• Play their favourite song for two minutes while they brush.
• Turn it into a game, like a “tooth-brushing challenge” to clean every tooth!

3. Set a Good Example

Children love to imitate adults! Brushing your teeth alongside them shows that it’s a normal and essential part of daily life.

4. Encourage a Healthy Diet

Limit sugary snacks and drinks, which contribute to tooth decay. Instead, provide tooth-friendly foods like fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and water.

5. Regular Dental Check-ups

Children should visit the dentist by their first birthday and continue with regular check-ups every six months to monitor their oral health.

How Happy Days Nurseries Supports Children’s Oral Health

Learn about our Oral Health Programme and initiatives to encourage healthy smiles.

Through our Oral Health Programme, we promote daily habits that support children’s well-being, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to maintain healthy teeth. This programme is part of our wider curriculum, which also includes initiatives like:

• Sun Safe Award – promoting sun safety and skin health.
• Let’s Cook! Programme – encouraging healthy eating habits.
• Let’s Move! Programme & Let’s Kick It! Programme – keeping children active for overall well-being.

By embedding active and healthy habits into children’s daily routines, we aim to set them up for a lifetime of good health and confidence.

Join Us in Promoting Healthy Smiles!

We encourage all families to support their children’s oral health at home. By working together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up free from tooth decay and with a bright, happy smile!

For more information on how we promote oral health at Happy Days Nurseries, feel free to speak with your nursery team or visit the Oral Health Foundation’s website for additional resources.