The Importance of Healthy Teeth and Gums for Children
Healthy teeth and gums are crucial for the overall health and wellbeing of our children. Poor oral health can affect their sleep, ability to chew, and consequently, their ability to eat properly. If a child isn’t eating or sleeping well due to poor oral health, it can impact their growth, speech, and ability to play and socialise with other children.
The following video, developed with children participating in the Blackburn Healthy Living Madrassah project, explains why looking after our teeth from a young age is so important…
In 2019, over half of five-year-olds in Blackburn with Darwen had at least one decayed, missing, or filled tooth, the highest rate among local authorities in England. Since then, we have implemented several projects to reduce this rate to just under 35%. However, more work is needed to reach the national average of 22%.
Together, we can continue to improve the oral health of our children and ensure they have bright, healthy smiles for years to come.
Top Tips for Healthy Smiles:
Prevention is key when it comes to maintaining your child’s oral health. Here are the top things you can do to help protect their teeth:
- 🪥 Brush twice a day – at bedtime and one other time during the day, for 2 minutes.
💬 “Let’s make our teeth sparkle every day!” - 🦷 Use a fluoride toothpaste (1000-1450ppm) – it helps make teeth strong and stops holes.
💬 “Fluoride is like a superhero for your teeth!” - 🚫 Spit, don’t rinse – after brushing, spit the toothpaste out but don’t rinse with water.
💬 “Leave the magic on your teeth!” - 🥤 Only water or milk between meals – avoid fizzy drinks or juice.
💬 “Water keeps our smiles happy!” - 🍎 Choose tooth-friendly snacks – like fruit, cheese, or veg sticks.
💬 “Healthy snacks = happy teeth!”
By following these tips, you can help ensure your child’s teeth stay healthy and strong. Please watch this video to find out more about correctly brushing children’s teeth:
AP Smilestars Supervised Toothbrushing Programme
In September 2022, the AP Smilestars supervised tooth brushing programme was launched by local dental practice AP Smilecare, commissioned by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. This initiative aims to help children in reception and nursery classes across the borough receive the fluoride they need to prevent tooth decay.
The programme provides comprehensive training to school, nursery, and children’s centre staff, ensuring that young children are taught and encouraged to brush their teeth properly. Over 3,500 children are now brushing their teeth in these settings every day!
Key features of the programme include:
- Full Staff Training: Including infection prevention and control.
- Age-Appropriate Supplies: Toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste, and hygienic storage units are provided.
By promoting proper tooth brushing habits from an early age, we are working towards a future where every child in Blackburn with Darwen can enjoy a healthy, bright smile.
For more information, visit AP Smilestars.
The Supervised Toothbrushing Programme – English Version
The Supervised Toothbrushing Programme- Urdu Version
Health Visitors – Free Toothbrush, Toothpaste and Sippy Cup
When your baby is between 8 and 12 months old, your health visitor will schedule a visit. During this visit, you’ll receive a free toothbrush, a tube of family fluoride toothpaste, and a free-flow sippy cup. This is the perfect time to transition your baby from a bottle to a sippy cup, promoting healthier oral habits early on.
For more information, feel free to reach out to your health visitor or visit one of our family hubs or children’s centres. Let’s keep those little smiles shining bright!
Healthy drinks and snacks
Sugar is the main cause of tooth decay in children. Sugary drinks are particularly bad for teeth and its is therefore recommended that children only have water or milk to drink between meals. Making healthy, balanced meals and reducing sugar intake can also help reduce dental decay. NHS Healthier Families offers useful tips on food swaps, so you can swap sugary drinks and snacks for healthier alternatives.
In Blackburn with Darwen, HENRY programmes and workshops are available to support families with making healthy lifestyle choices including introducing solids and fussy eating. For more information and to register your interest, please visit our Family Hub website.
Registering With a Dentist
Ensuring your child has regular dental check-ups is a key step in promoting lifelong oral health. It’s important to take your baby to the dentist as soon as their first teeth come through, or at the latest, by their first birthday. For more information, see dental check by one. If you need assistance registering your child with a dentist, speak to your health visitor, family hub, or children’s centre. They can refer you to a local dentist for children aged 0-5 years.
Remember, all NHS dental treatment is free for every child under 18 years. If you’re having trouble finding an NHS dentist, check out Dental Choices for a list of NHS dentists accepting new patients near your postcode.
