Good oral hygiene is essential for children’s health and development. At our nursery, we support children to learn positive habits from an early age, including the importance of brushing their teeth every day. Developing good dental routines in early childhood helps to prevent tooth decay and supports lifelong healthy habits.

Tooth decay in young children is one of the most common preventable health problems in the UK. With consistent routines at nursery and at home, children can be supported to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Why Is Teeth Cleaning Important for Children?

Healthy teeth play an important role in a child’s overall wellbeing. Strong teeth and healthy gums help children to:

• Eat a balanced diet comfortably
• Develop clear speech
• Build confidence through a healthy smile
• Prepare for the development of adult teeth

Without regular brushing, plaque builds up on teeth and can lead to:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Pain and discomfort
• Dental infections

Teaching children how to brush their teeth properly from a young age reduces the risk of dental problems and supports their long-term health.

What We Do at Nursery to Support Children’s Oral Health

At our nursery, we actively promote good oral hygiene and healthy habits. Our approach includes:

• Daily supervised tooth brushing, where children clean their teeth once a day at nursery
• Talking to children about why brushing teeth is important
• Using songs, stories, and play-based learning to promote dental care
• Encouraging handwashing and personal hygiene routines
• Supporting healthy eating choices and reducing sugary snacks

By making oral health part of our daily routine, children begin to understand why looking after their teeth is an important part of self-care.

How Families Can Support Teeth Cleaning at Home

Parents and carers play a key role in helping children maintain good oral hygiene at home. We recommend:

Brush Teeth Twice a Day

Children should brush their teeth:

• Once in the morning
• Once before bedtime

Use a small, soft toothbrush and an age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste.

Make Brushing Teeth Fun

• Use a two-minute timer or a favourite song
• Allow children to choose their own toothbrush
• Brush your teeth together to model good habits

Supervise Brushing

Young children need adult support to brush effectively. This includes:

• Guiding their hand
• Ensuring all teeth are brushed
• Encouraging gentle circular movements

Reduce Sugar Intake

To protect children’s teeth:

• Limit sugary foods and snacks
• Offer water or milk instead of sugary drinks
• Avoid sweet drinks before bedtime

Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular dental visits help children to:

• Become comfortable with the dentist
• Detect any dental concerns early
• Maintain healthy teeth and gums

Working Together to Promote Healthy Smiles

When nurseries and families work together, children benefit most. Teaching children good oral hygiene from an early age helps them to:

• Avoid dental problems
• Build confidence
• Develop independence
• Establish healthy routines for life

A healthy smile supports a happy, confident child and helps them enjoy learning, playing, and growing.

If you would like more information about how we support children’s oral health at nursery, please speak to a member of our team.