The EYFS framework states that early years providers must promote good oral health of children who attend their setting.
Oral health is important, even with baby teeth. This is because children’s baby teeth: help them to bite and chew
support speech and language development
help them feel confident when they smile
make space for and help to guide adult teeth
Good oral health also keeps children free from toothache, infection and swollen gums.
Tooth decay
Children need to form good oral health habits from an early age to help avoid tooth decay. Tooth decay happens when sugars from food and drinks interact with bacteria in tooth plaque. This results in acid production, causing holes in teeth known as cavities.
If children have tooth decay, they may have yellow, brown or black marks on their teeth. They may also complain about their teeth hurting, particularly when eating or drinking.
Looking after children’s oral health
There are several key steps practitioners, parents and carers can take to promote good oral health in children.
Cutting down on free sugars
You should limit the amount of free sugars children eat or drink in your setting, as well as how often they consume them. This can help to avoid tooth decay. Free sugars include all sugar added to food and drinks by the manufacturer, cook or consumer. They are found in foods like: cakes, biscuits and chocolates processed foods - like some jarred sauces, jams and breakfast cereals some flavoured yoghurts
They are also found in natural products like: honey and syrups
fruit juices and purees smoothies .Free sugars are not found in: whole fruit and vegetables plain, unflavoured milk and yoghurt water