The Oral Health Promotion Team at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust works closely with nurseries and other early years settings to promote the benefits of good oral health and help reduce childhood tooth decay.
In collaboration with Durham County Council, the team supports early years settings by providing training and assisting with the implementation of supervised toothbrushing programmes.
These programmes train staff to help children aged two to five clean their teeth once a day while attending their setting or school.
The programme has been a great success, with 92 settings and 5,395 children now taking part.
Our key messages to help reduce tooth decay are:
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Brush Twice a Day: Use fluoride toothpaste and brush for at least two minutes twice a day, with one of those times being before bed.
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No Rinsing After Brushing: Spit out any excess toothpaste but do not rinse it away. If using mouthwash, do so at a different time of day.
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Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: Excessive sugar intake contributes to tooth decay, so opt for healthier alternatives.
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Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Routine check-ups help prevent and detect tooth decay early.
By continuing to work with our partners and early years settings, we aim to support children in developing healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.
