Bright smiles are healthy smiles! - Supporting Oral Health

NHS Mid and South Essex is launching a new campaign called ‘Bright smiles are healthy smiles!’ The campaign aims to empower parents and carers of young children to adopt good oral health habits in their children to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles.

We are excited at Barnes Farm Primary School to be part of an important dental pilot initiative that NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (M&SE ICB) are in the process of commissioning with local dental providers to improve the oral health and education for children and young people.

This exciting new initiative, in Reception and year 3, seeks to improve access to dental care for our younger population and their families by connecting high street dentists with their local primary schools. The aim of the pilot is to support schools, parents, and children by emphasising the education and importance of good oral health and diet. Tooth decay is preventable therefore early intervention and education can only help to avoid dental treatment and pain in later life.

Applying for an NHS dentist

There is no need to register with a dentist in the same way as with a GP because you are not bound to a catchment area.

Simply find a dental surgery that's convenient for you, whether it's near your home or work, and phone them to see if there are any appointments available.

You can search for an NHS dentist near you using the link below:

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/how-to-find-an-nhs-dentist/

Top Ten Tips to keep your children’s teeth healthy

1. Brush last thing at night and one other time of day

2. Use a fluoride toothpaste (0-3 years 1000ppm fluoride, 3+ years more than 1000ppm)

3. Supervise under 8s when brushing

4. Use a smear of toothpaste for under 3s

5. Use a pea sized amount of toothpaste for over 3s

6. Spit and don’t rinse after brushing

7. Take your child to the dentist as soon as they have teeth and continue regular visits

8. Avoid sugary and acidic food and drinks between meals

9. Milk is a tooth friendly drink during the day; water is tooth friendly at any time

10. From 6 months old encourage the use of open top cups