Saving this page to a PDF file.
Chrome
Step 1: Click the "Print this page" button. Alternatively, press Ctrl + P (on Mac, use Cmd + P)
Step 2: In the resulting pop-up window, click the Down Arrow to the right of Destination and select Save As PDF in the drop-down menu. You can also optionally choose to hide 'Headers and Footers' with a checkbox.
IE/Edge
Step 1: Click the "Print this page" button. Alternatively, press Ctrl + P (on Mac, use Cmd + P)
Step 2: On the following dialog, under Printer, choose 'Microsoft Print to PDF'
Click 'Print' and you have saved your webpage to a PDF file.
Oral health for children ages 3 - 6
Looking after teeth and gums
Tooth decay can cause pain, infection, sleepless nights, time off nursery / school and time off work for parents/carers.
Around 29% of 5-year-olds in South Yorkshire have tooth decay.
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 5-9 year old age group
Video: Doncaster School Nursing team part of RDaSH NHS FT presents "Dental Hygiene for Reception age children"
This film also includes a short film featuring TV's Dr Ranj by kind permission of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry
Top 9 Toothbrushing Tips
Children need to be helped and supervised with toothbrushing until at least age 7 years old.
Brush all the surfaces of the teeth and gumline in small circles for at least 2 minutes, twice a day - just before bedtime and at another time that fits in with your routine.
Both powered and manual toothbrushes are effective as long as they have a small head.
Children aged 3-6 should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing at least 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!
The parent / carer should sit the child on their lap or stand behind them and cradle the child’s head while brushing all the surfaces of the child’s teeth.
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
Toothbrushing resources
Video: How to care for teeth 3-6
Video: Growing up with Healthy Teeth
Video: Hey Duggee Toothbrushing badge Episode
Diet
- Reduce the amount and frequency of having foods and drinks that contain sugar - only have 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
Food resources
Visiting the Dentist
Children should have a regular check-up at the dentist at least once a year, and adults at least every 2 years.
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 aged 3 and over should have it applied at least twice a year. Parents / carers should ask their dentist about fluoride varnish.
