14 Expert approved hacks and tips to keep your kids teeth sparkling

Bright Little Stars Nursery take a proactive approach for brighter smiles supporting nursery school children and parents 

•  Tooth decay is affecting up to 23.7% of 5 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 & Dr Saul Konviser offer 10 easy tips to help parents get their kids brushing their teeth

In an ambitious approach to improve the oral health of children and foster a better understanding of its importance for the Early Years settings,  Bright Little Stars nurseries are working with *Dr Saul Konviser, Director of The Dental Wellness Trust charity to help educate, inspire and engage parents, teachers and children across its nurseries. Bright Little Stars and Dr Konviser have also created 10 easy-to-apply tips to help all families across the country keep their little ones' pearly whites in tip top shape.

An ongoing battle in the UK for children’s health and wellbeing - more than just smiles are at stake. According to a 2022 study by National Dental Epidemiology Programme tooth decay is affecting up to 23.7% of 5 year old children in England with kids living in the most deprived areas of the country almost three times more likely to have experienced dental decay compared to those in more affluent areas. 

A recent government health guide also highlighted how children were cumulatively missing up to 60,000 days from school during the year for hospital extractions alone. In fact, recent official statistics show dental costs due to extractions for decay are around £50.9 million per year for 0-19 year olds with tooth decay still the most common reason for hospital admission in children aged between 6 and 10 years.

“A lot of parents don’t realise the effects that teeth damage can have on a child” states Dr Saul Konviser.  “There's still unfortunately worryingly high sugar content in so many food and drink items that are targeted at children and this is further fuelling the sugar crisis that we have in this country. This leads to an increase in risks of tooth decay, childhood obesity and diabetes to name a few. Sugar has a massive impact on tooth decay and, with the cost of living crisis, unfortunately the healthy food and drink options are not always the most affordable ones. It’s a real problem made worse by the fact that it can be extremely difficult to get small children to brush their teeth in the first place. 

“There is also a misconception that baby teeth are less important to care for as you have a second adult set but that’s just not the case. If a child has an infection in a baby tooth, it can not only affect the development of the other adult tooth but it also impacts their general health and wellness. It might mean they can't come to nursery, concentrate, eat or play with friends. Their whole mood and emotions can change”.

Taking a proactive approach to challenging tooth decay in children under 5, Bright Little Stars is setting the gold standard in all areas of oral hygiene,  from nutrition and supervised toothbrushing to parental dental education. Taking part in the DWT LiveSmart Supervised Toothbrushing Programme, its Harrow Nurseries recently ranked in the top three for the "Health and Wellbeing Award" at the NDNA (National Day Nurseries Association) Awards 2023 while its Stanmore Nursery won the coveted  "Nursery of the Year" for South England 2023.

Nicola Freeman, Area Manager at Bright Little Stars said “We are committed to keeping up the Tooth Brushing Scheme in the nursery and working with the Dental Wellness Trust to promote Oral Hygiene. So far it has  been a great success with really high engagement from both the children and the parents. As we introduced the tooth brushing scheme to our 18 month old children to 5 year olds, we noticed they were excited to brush their teeth after lunch, they enjoyed the routine and independence it gave them. Parents came in telling staff how having the children brush their teeth in nursery supported them to brush their teeth at home more confidently”.

While Bright Little Stars initiatives are run throughout their 6 London nursery branches , the team are passionate about helping all and so, working alongside Dr Saul Konviser, they have created the following tips and advice to help parents feel more confident with caring for their toddlers and children's teeth.

How you can care for your children's teeth

1. Start Early: Introduce oral hygiene to your child from an early age. For infants, clean their gums with a soft, clean cloth even before their first tooth comes in.
2. Choose Child-Friendly Products: Select toothbrushes that are small, soft-bristled and suitable for your child's age. Use age appropriate fluoridated toothpaste but only a small amount (a smear) for children under three years.
3. Make Brushing Fun: Use playful toothbrushes with their favourite cartoon characters or ones that play music for the recommended two-minute brushing duration. There are also fun tooth brushing songs online that you can use, for example “This is the way you brush your teeth” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pd4WnsXwdqw.
4. Establish a Routine: Brushing twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime, should be a non-negotiable routine. This consistency will make it a habit for your child.
5. Educate About Importance: Explain to your child why it's important to keep their teeth clean. Use storybooks, videos or apps that teach about dental hygiene in a fun and engaging way.
6. Lead by Example: Children often mimic their parents. Let them see you brushing your teeth, flossing, and maintaining good oral hygiene. You can even make brushing your teeth a family event. This not only makes it a fun event but also allows you to supervise your child's brushing technique.
7. Avoid Sugar-Laden Foods: Limit your child's consumption of sugary foods and drinks as they can cause cavities. Encourage healthier alternatives such as fruits and vegetables.
8. Teach Proper Technique: Show your child how to brush their teeth properly. Brush in small, circular motions and make sure to reach every tooth, including the ones at the back.
9. Use a Timer: Use a timer or a toothbrushing song to ensure your child brushes for a full two minutes.
10. Regular Dentist Visits: Schedule regular dentist visits for your child. The dentist can catch potential problems early and provide professional cleanings. The advice by the Royal College of Pediatric Dentists is that your child should visit the dentist by the age of one or when their first tooth comes out.
11. Limit Bedtime Bottles: Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle of milk, juice, or any sweet drink as this can lead to tooth decay.
12. Use The Right Toothpaste: Children should be using a fluoride toothpaste - there are different strengths for different ages. In terms of how much you use, under 3’s need a toothpaste ball the size of a grain of rice or a fingernail. If they’re over the age of three, it's just a pea size.
13. Reward Good Behaviour: Offer small rewards or praise when your child maintains their oral hygiene routine without prompting. This positive reinforcement can encourage them to keep up their good habits.
14. Make it visual: Create a brushing calendar and display it in the bathroom. Each time your child brushes their teeth in the morning and at night, they get to put a sticker on that day. This helps them see their progress and can be an incentive for regular brushing.