Oral Health

It is our policy to actively promote high standards of oral health by actively encouraging 'tooth friendly' eating and good habits of personal and oral hygiene. We do this by sharing good practice and information with staff, children and parents/carers regularly. We have an Oral Health Champion member of staff identified who regularly updates us on our practice.

 

Importance of Oral Health in Early Years

Dental decay is the most common oral disease affecting children in the UK, and it is largely preventable (excerpt from Public Health England). Educating children in Early Years about the importance of Oral Health and through raising awareness we together can help to instill good practices for the future of children in society.

 

• Oral health is included in the curriculum and in any      learning opportunities where appropriate.
• We have arranged a visit from a dentist/oral health      professional this term to talk to the children about the importance of      Oral Health.
• We celebrate Smile Month each year to support our Oral      Health Policy
• Dental health will feature as a theme prior to or after      these visits, (e.g. dentist's corner, stories, songs, etc.)

Good oral hygiene is promoted at all times in our practice.

 

Tooth-Brushing At Home

• Parents and carers are encouraged to continue regular brushing at home.
• Public  Health England have published a useful document regarding "Looking after your children's teeth" to provide Parents with lots of information about supporting your child's Oral Health.

Parents and guardians can access information about tooth brushing or oral health from nursery staff.
 

Injuries to the mouth

If your child has an injury to their teeth or gums at nursery we will let you know straight away and request that you take them to their dentist. Most dental injuries occur when active, so it is especially important for children who are mobile to be registered with a dentist. Parents and carers should also learn first aid for a knocked-out tooth. 

Food and Snacks

• Generally, children are provided with tooth friendly snacks (i.e. foods with low      sugar content).
• Foods with high sugar content will be provided on a very limited basis (i.e.      Special occasion: See Rewards and Special Occasions).
• All foods served in the nursery are provided or supervised by nursery staff in      accordance with this Oral Health Policy.

Drinks

• Milk and water only will be offered to the children as a drink with their snack      or at other times throughout the day.
• No fizzy drinks or juice will be served in the nursery at any time.

Ice - Lollies

• In hot weather it may be useful to offer sugar-free lollies to the children. If possible these should be offered instead of a desert or snack.  

Rewards and Special Occasions 

• Sweets and chocolates will not be used as a reward for good behaviour.
• A  birthday treat can be served to children on birthdays or on special      occasions (i.e. last children's Christmas Party etc.) These will replace any deserts or treats planned for the day (not given in addition to)