Bright Smiles Start Early: Supporting Your Child’s Oral Health

At Tops Day Nurseries, we know that a healthy smile is about more than just teeth, it’s about confidence, comfort, and overall wellbeing. Oral health is a key part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and something we actively promote in our settings.

Did you know that tooth decay is one of the most common reasons young children are admitted to hospital for general anaesthetic in the UK? The good news is that with the right routines and support, it’s almost entirely preventable.

Oral Health in the EYFS

Oral health was added to the EYFS in 2021 as part of promoting children’s physical development and self-care. Practitioners now have a clear responsibility to help children develop good hygiene habits – and this includes taking care of their teeth.

We introduce oral health through:

• Storytime, songs, and role play about brushing teeth
• Talking about healthy eating and how sugary foods affect teeth
• Promoting independence in self-care routines
• Sharing resources and tips with families

By building these habits early, children are more likely to carry them into adulthood – supporting lifelong health.

What Can You Do at Home? (Based on NHS Guidance)

Here are simple, effective tips from the NHS Start for Life programme that you can use at home:

For babies:

• Start cleaning your baby’s gums even before their first teeth appear, using a clean, damp cloth.
• Once the first tooth comes through, use a soft baby toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste (at least 1000ppm).
• Never put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice – water is the only safe drink at bedtime.

For toddlers and young children:

• Brush teeth twice a day, especially before bed.
• Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (1350–1500ppm).
• Supervise brushing until your child is at least 7 years old.
• Encourage spitting after brushing – but don’t rinse with water (this washes the fluoride away).
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks – offer fresh fruit, veg, cheese or breadsticks instead.

Healthy Eating and Oral Health

There’s a strong link between oral health and nutrition. At nursery, we promote:

• A balanced diet with limited sugary snacks
• Water and milk as the main drinks
• Tooth-friendly snack choices like raw vegetables, cheese, or rice cakes

We support children in learning why certain foods help their teeth and how to make good choices.

Working Together

At Tops, we partner with families to make oral health a shared journey. Whether it’s celebrating your child’s first dentist visit or helping them master brushing independently, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

If you need help choosing the right toothpaste, toothbrush, or want more tips on building a brushing routine, just ask a member of our team – we’re always happy to help.

Useful Resources:

• NHS Start for Life – Looking After Your Child’s Teeth
• NHS Choices – Oral Health for Children
• NICE Public Health Guidelines on Oral Health in Early Years

Together, we can help children develop healthy habits that last a lifetime – and keep those little smiles shining bright!