Children may be interested in teeth if they have had a recent dentist visit, or they may be nervous about their first visit!
Dental care is essential for children's health and wellbeing. Early childhood educators can support children to care for their bodies, strengthen self-help skills, and develop good oral hygiene practices.
Leah Smith, an oral health therapist at Abano Healthcare, explains that early childhood education services should feature the five most important areas of oral health in their programs:
- brushing
- flossing
- parent involvement
- diet
- visiting the dentist.
"Caring for teeth is a lifelong journey and it is important to instill the habit when young," says Smith. "For younger children who may not understand why they need to care for their teeth, having a program that is play-based and engaging can encourage a child to follow instructions that will eventually be part of a daily routine."
NQS and EYLF
The National Quality Standard requires early learning services to promote and implement hygiene practices, which can include dental hygiene (2.1.2).
EYLF learning outcomes
The Early Years Learning Framework asks children to take increasing responsibility for their own physical wellbeing (3.2) and develop strategies to support their physical health (3.3). Children are also asked to develop their emerging autonomy (1.2), which can include brushing their own teeth.
Learning experiences
Role-play dentists
Set up a pretend dental surgery, complete with a dental chair, tools, and a mirror. Children can take turns being the patient and the dentist.
Role-play teeth brushing with toys
Provide children with toothbrushes, floss and pretend toothpaste (make a simple mixture from bicarb and water) so children can practice brushing the teeth of their plastic toys.
Sort objects
Prepare objects related to dental health (e.g. toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, cheese, leafy greens and apples). Children can sort them into two groups: "things you use to clean your teeth" and "foods that are good for your teeth".
Look at your teeth in the mirror
If children are interested in teeth, provide them with a mirror. Let them explore their own mouths and be ready to answer any questions they may have. It's okay if you don't know the answers, help them research teeth using the Internet.
Family and community connections
Arrange a dental visit
Contact your local dentist to arrange an incursion so children can improve their knowledge of dental hygiene. A dental health nurse can visit your service and deliver a talk.
Smith recommends connecting with a clinic that is experienced with young children:
"Someone who has years of experience will have the knowledge to know how to calm an anxious child and can provide parents with further advice."
Deliver a brushing program
Childcare centres can deliver brushing programs that teach children practical skills in teeth brushing. A program is a great option if you cannot arrange a dental talk at your centre. It is also a great learning extension for after the visit.
Leah Smith has developed teeth brushing programs suitable for children in the early years, which families can follow at home. She has also developed an educator program that allows childcare centres to offer teeth brushing programs at their service.
Events
Dental Health Week is in August.
Resources
Websites
- Health Direct: Dental care for children
- Better Health: Teeth development in children
Music
Sesame Street: Healthy teeth, healthy me