Teaching children to care for their teeth from a young age is beneficial for their oral health. Good oral health leads to helping children to bite and chew, feel confident when they smile and supports their speech and language development.
In an oral health survey carried out in 2022 across England, dental decay was already apparent in more than one in four children by the age of five-years-old and almost half of children living in areas of deprivation.
Access NDNA’s free resources to promote good oral health in young children in your early years setting.
Oral health top tips
Tooth decay is affecting up to 23.7% of five-year-old children in England
Tooth decay in 0-19 year olds is estimated to cost the NHS £50.9M and it is still the most common reason for hospital admission in children aged between 6 and 10 years.
Bright Little Stars and Dr Saul Konviser, Director of The Dental Wellness Trust charity are taking a proactive approach to challenging tooth decay in children under five, with Bright Little Stars setting the gold standard.
Bright Little Stars Harrow was a finalist for the Health and Well-being award at NDNA Awards 2023, while Bright Little Stars Stanmore won Nursery of the Year South 2023.
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Free activities for early years educators
Top tips: Supporting families with dental health
Activity: Caring for our teeth
Mini guide: Good oral health in early years
