Oral health and the EYFS framework

Oral health is an important part of every child’s wellbeing. It impacts on the ability for children to eat and sleep, to socialise with confidence and to concentrate at school. However, many children experience problems with their oral health.

Tooth decay affects around a quarter of five-year olds in England and it is also the leading cause of hospital admissions for five to nine-year-olds by some distance. Many children who go to hospital because of tooth decay need to have teeth removed under general anaesthetic.

This is despite the fact that tooth decay is almost entirely preventable.

The EYFS framework states that early years providers must promote good oral health. A new and updated set of children’s oral health ‘Top Tips for Teeth’ resources are now available to support dental professionals, health care professionals and those working in Early Years settings to encourage parents and carers teach children good oral health.

The resources aim to raise awareness and provide instruction for good oral hygiene in children aged 0-3, 3+ and pregnant women, and address the impact of poor dental health. Parents and carers can also find new content with tips and advice on the Start for Life website.

A range of free downloadable and orderable resources, that can be used in dental practices, hospitals, Family Hubs, children’s centres and other Early Years settings, are available to partners on the campaign resource centre, including:

• Social media toolkit
• Posters (including empty belly version for partners to add local service information)
• Digital screens
• ‘Top tips for teeth’ leaflets
• Editorial copy