The Nursery strives to raise awareness of the importance of good oral health for children. These early years for children are when many of the good (and bad) routines are formed and are often carried through to adulthood. Therefore, our nursery is a very important place to introduce a good oral health routine. As a setting we are committed to delivering the highest standards of care, learning and development. The nursery believes that the health of each child is of the upmost importance and therefore has implemented this policy. Regular daily brushing with appropriate fluoride toothpaste is highly effective in preventing dental decay. Good oral hygiene practice should be established at an early stage in a child’s life and become an integral part of normal daily hygiene. The nursery seeks to work in partnership with parents and carers to promote good oral health both at home and within the nursery.
The Nursery has developed the following guiding principles:
• All staff will be offered training (in-house or external) on effective tooth brushing and infection control procedures.
• Parent’s consent will be sought for children who brush their teeth at nursery.
• The toothpaste provided by the nursery will contain 1000ppm (parts per million) as per national guidance.
• Tooth brushes and brushing techniques are appropriate to the age and ability of the child.
• Staff who assist with teeth brushing will provide the appropriate level of support to each of the children dependant on their age and ability.
• Children are discouraged from swallowing toothpaste during and after brushing their teeth.
Prevention and control of infection:
Toothbrushes are a potential source of infection therefore the following guidelines will be adhered to.
• Toothbrushes bought in to nursery will be stored on each child’s peg and will be individually identifiable.
• Staff will oversee the application of toothpaste onto the toothbrush to avoid cross contamination and ensure that an appropriate and effective quantity is used.
• Children will brush their teeth in the bathroom and will be supervised whilst doing so.
• After tooth brushing, brushes will be rinsed thoroughly and individually under cold running water. They will then be replaced into the storage system and allowed to air dry.
Tooth brushing at Home
• Parents will be encouraged to continue the regular tooth brushing routine at home.
• Parents can access information and advice about tooth brushing and oral health from staff at nursery.
• Oral health will be included in nursery work and any learning opportunities where it is appropriate.
• Visits from a dentist, hygienist or someone who can talk about oral health should be arranged during the nursery year.
• Dental health will feature as a theme at nursery prior to, during or after these visits. e.g. dental corner, stories, songs, poems, art etc
• Where possible, parents will be asked to provide details of the family dentist as well as doctor on enrolment.
• Parents will be provided with an information point, which will include information about oral health.