Oral health for primary school age

Oral health is part of the national curriculum in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 science and in Relationships Education, Relationships, and Sexual Education (RSE) and Health Education
Tooth decay can cause pain, infection, sleepless nights, time off nursery/school and time off work for parents/carers.
Small children often need a general anaesthetic to have decayed teeth removed, which can be an unpleasant experience and is not without risk
Tooth decay is still the most common reason for hospital admissions in the 6-10 year old age group

NHS dental treatment is free for children under 18 or under 19 and in qualifying full-time education
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

At the dentist

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
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
Spit out the toothpaste and do not rinse!

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