Back to Oral Health

Oral health for toddlers and pre-schoolers

Key health professionals involved here:
  • Nursery Nurses
  • Early Years
  • Teaching Staff
Toothbrushing

Key messages:

  • Brush all the surfaces of the teeth and gumline in small circles for around 2 minutes, twice a day - just before bedtime and at another time that fits in with your routine
  • Children under 3 should use a smear of toothpaste containing no less than 1000ppm fluoride
  • Children aged 3 and over should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing more than 1000ppm fluoride
  • Use a toothpaste containing 1350-1500ppm 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 a fluoride toothpaste is more important than good toothbrushing technique!
  • Each family member should have their own toothbrush to stop spread of germs

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Diet: 

Key messages:

  • Reduce the amount and frequency of having foods and drinks that contain sugar, only give sweet foods including dried fruit at mealtimes
  • Squashes sweetened with sugar, fizzy drinks, soft drinks and juice drinks have no place in a child’s daily diet
  • Limit the amount of fruit juice and/or smoothies your child drinks to a maximum of 150 mls (one portion) in total per day and drink it with meals to reduce the risk of tooth decay
  • Always ask for sugar-free medicines

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Visiting the dentist:

Key Messages

  • Adults should have a regular check-up at the dentist at least once every 2 years, and children at least once a year
  • NHS dental treatment is free for children under 18 or under 19 and in qualifying full-time education
  • Some adults can also get free NHS dental treatment
  • Going to the dentist regularly helps the child become familiar with the dental environment, and enables the dentist to pick up on any problems as early as possible
  • The dentist can paint fluoride varnish on children’s teeth to protect them from tooth decay.  All children over 3 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

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