Oral Hygiene

Supporting oral hygiene is part of the EYFS statutory guidance.  Here is some background to why dental hygiene and oral health is so important, and what the outcomes may be if it is neglected:

Tooth decay is one of the most common reasons for hospital admission in children age 5 to9.  According to an oral health survey of 5-year-olds in 2017 just under a quarter had tooth decay with, on average, three or four teeth affected.  The survey found that 67% of parents reported that their child had been in pain due to dental issues, with 28% reporting that their child had experienced sleepless nights due to dental issues.  The majority of tooth decay in children under 6 is untreated.

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Tooth decay can lead to pain and distress, sleepless nights, impact on behaviour, a child's relationships, learning and development and lead to time away from setting and school.

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