Tooth decay is largely preventable, but it’s still a serious problem among young children. Research by Public Health England suggests that 1 in 5 children aged 5, have experienced tooth decay.

The EYFS 2021 reforms include an addition to the safeguarding and welfare section where settings are required to promote the “good oral health of children”. The aim of the requirement is to reduce tooth decay in children and associated hospital admissions. Did you know tooth extraction is the most common reason for young children to be admitted to hospital? Children from more deprived backgrounds are also more likely to have tooth decay.

The importance of good oral health

Improving the oral health of children is a Public Health England (PHE) priority, with an ambition that every child will grow up free of tooth decay, to help give them the best start in life. The importance of oral health has been included in the revised EYFS framework because good oral health habits need to be formed from the earliest age. The British Dental Association highlights children’s right to oral health, as it forms an integral part of their general health. Healthy teeth support children to:

• bite and chew food
• develop their speech and language
• feel confident when they smile.

How to Promote the Good Oral Health of Children

Ways of promoting oral health are not set out in the EYFS framework, meaning your setting has flexibility in finding an approach that works for you. The core aim of your approach is to support children to understand the importance of a healthy diet and how to look after themselves. There’s lots of ways for you to link oral health to things you already promote, like self-care, healthy eating and physical development. One of the recent recommendations from the Children’s Alliance report on The Health & Wellbeing of Children in the Early Years, is for oral care to be included in core training for early years professionals. Here at Early Start Nutrition, we’ve developed Oral Health Promotion training to support your setting to meet the EYFS 2021 reform guidance on oral health. Our training has supported early years settings to have an understanding of:

• The importance of good oral health
• Factors that can impact on oral health
• Suitable cups and beakers for children
• Tooth friendly foods and drinks
• When to register children with the dentist
• Appropriate teeth cleaning methods for the whole family
• How to promote the good oral health of children in your early years setting in line with the EYFS 2021 refroms

Book Oral Health Promotion training today: https://www.earlystartgroup.com/product/oral-health-promotion/

Watch the Sugar

Did you know, children are having 2 times more sugar than they should be? Having too much sugar has a significant impact on children’s teeth. It’s not just about the amount of sugar in sweet foods and drinks, but how long and how often teeth are in contact with the sugar. Here are Early Start Nutrition we have lots of support available to help you ensure you’re providing tooth friendly food and drink.

We’re happy to review your menus to help you meet the EBSB food and drink guidelines. Following these guidelines will help to ensure that you’re helping to protect children’s teeth.

For example:

• Avoiding dried fruit at snack times
• Offering tooth friendly drinks
• Using suitable cups/ beakers
• Offering appropriate cereals and puddings.

Contact our team of expert Nutritionist today to find out how we can support you: [email protected] or visit our website to find out about our full range of training: https://www.earlystartgroup.com/online-courses/