Early Years Oral Health

During Early Years’ Foundation Stage, a child’s first experiences with oral health can impact on the rest of their life. That’s why it’s so important to teach them about their mouth and introduce them to good habits as soon as possible. It is equally vital to continue to ‘normalise’ dental visits and put them at ease with the role of a dentist as a person they can trust.

Our Early Years’ Foundation Stage framework sets out the requirements for the learning, development and welfare of children from birth to the end of the academic year in which their fifth birthday occurs. The aim is to help young children achieve the five ‘Every Child Matters’ outcomes.

These include:

Staying safe.
Being healthy.
Enjoying and achieving.
Making a positive contribution.
Achieving economic wellbeing.

Top Tips for Supporting Oral Health at Home:

• Start brushing early: As soon as your baby’s first tooth appears, start brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled brush and a smear of toothpaste.
• Make brushing fun: Sing a song, use a timer, or let your child choose their toothbrush to make brushing a positive part of the daily routine.
• Encourage healthy eating: Limit sugary snacks and drinks, and encourage water and milk as go-to options.
• Lead by example: Let your child see you brushing your teeth too—they’re more likely to copy your healthy habits.
• Visit the dentist regularly: Take your child to the dentist by their first birthday and keep up with regular check-ups. These early visits help build confidence and reduce fear.

By supporting your child’s oral health from the very beginning, you’re helping them build lifelong habits that support their overall health and happiness

Need a Dentist for Your Child?

We’re linked with a local dental practice that is currently accepting NHS patients. If you’d like their contact details, just pop in and speak to our EYFS Lead (Mrs Ali) or Family Support Officer(Mrs Vicky) —they’ll be happy to help.

Useful resources

• Public Health England: health matters child dental health, guidance to help you prevent tooth decay in children under 5, including links to e-learning.
• Children’s Oral Health: healthcare e-learning, aimed at parents, early years healthcare workers, teachers, nurses, GPs and the public.
• Oral Health Foundation: early years foundation stage, how children can keep their mouth healthy and the best way to brush your teeth.
• Improving oral health in early years: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Pathways.
• PACEY’s oral health advice: includes factsheet for parents.
• PACEY’s nutrition spotlight, encouraging healthy eating habits.
• Delivering oral health from Public Health England, includes a quick guide to healthy mouths in children.
• Change4life children’s centre toolkit from Public Health England, for promoting healthy eating and dental health.

Dr Ranj and Supertooth

Dr Ranj and Supertooth star in two short videos that you can share all about caring for children’s teeth.