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Clean well

Key messages

For babies, toddlers and children to achieve good oral health regular cleaning or brushing to remove plaque from the teeth is important.

  • Start cleaning teeth as soon as the first tooth appears (usually around 6 months of age, but this can happen earlier).
    • Low fluoride toothpaste should be introduced at 18 months of age.
    • Standard fluoride toothpaste should be introduced at 6 years of age.
  • Clean all surfaces of the teeth and gums twice a day – in the morning and before going to bed.
  • Children less than 8 years of age will need an adult to help them brush their teeth.
 

See ‘Clean well’ section in Healthy Little Smiles resource kit

Learning experiences

Share messages about Clean well routinely with children

Talking points for children

  • Cleaning your teeth with toothpaste makes your teeth strong and healthy – and you only need a little bit, about the size of a pea.
  • If you don’t clean your teeth they can get holes and that makes them sore.
  • A big person like mummy or daddy needs to help you brush your teeth.
  • Your teeth need to be brushed with toothpaste every morning after breakfast and every night before you go to bed.
  • You should spit out the toothpaste after you finish brushing.
Messages adapted from NSW Little Smiles. Dental Health Resource Package for Childcare Professionals, NSW Department of Health www.health.nsw.gov.au

Educators can support this through

  • Storytelling and narratives – For example, stories about toothbrushing and visiting the dentist
  • Music – For example, sing songs
  • Role play – For example, getting up in the morning, having breakfast, getting dressed and brushing your teeth or visiting the dentist
  • Everyday conversations – For example, talk about what teeth do and why we should look after them and why we need healthy teeth and gums, what you did this morning and discuss brushing your teeth
  • Intentional learning activities - For example, invite your local dental service to talk to children about the importance of brushing their teeth.

Books

Suggested oral health story books for early childhood services
Dental Health Services Victoria website: www.dhsv.org.au

Your local librarian or book shop may have more ideas for children’s books about teeth

Songs

Videos

Sesame Street: Healthy Teeth, Healthy Me: Brushy Brush PSA

Engaging families

Support families to encourage and promote toothbrushing at home by:

  • Have meaningful discussions
  • Tip sheets
  • Information and tips in your newsletter
  • Write a letter to families
  • Display information in your foyer  and/or noticeboard
  • Role modelling good oral health behaviours
  • A dental professional to come to your service to speak to families about brushing teeth

Online resources and websites

Newsletter article

Clean well article in Oral health newsletter inserts for Early Childhood Services
Dental Health Services Victoria website: www.dhsv.org.au

Tip sheets

Dental Health Services Victoria has a range of fact sheets on oral health
Dental Health Services Victoria website: www.dhsv.org.au

 

Videos

Cleaning your baby's teeth ABC Radio Melbourne

How do I brush my child's teeth? (6 months to 7 years)
NHS Choices, Department of Health, NHS England

Information on dental care

Raising Children’s Network website: http://raisingchildren.net.au

Tooth decay – young children
Better Health Channel website: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

‘A check up for oral health' video - share You Tube link in your newsletter
Dental Health Services Victoria website: www.dhsv.org.au

For the Aboriginal community

Healthy Smiles for under 5
NSW Health website: www.health.nsw.gov.au

Professional practice and organisational policies

Develop policies and procedures

Outline your commitment to oral health, including healthy food and drink, preventive approaches and access to dental care in your organisation’s policies.

A policy document provides clear, consistent information for all staff and carers working with children, as well as for parents and families. Thorough policies can demonstrate a commitment to healthy eating and oral health, and ensure a high quality of practice.

Sample policy: Healthy eating and oral health sample policy
Healthy Together Victoria Achievement Program website: http://www.achievementprogram.health.vic.gov.au/early-childhood-services

Create a healthy environment

  • Implement a toothbrushing program at your service.

find your nearest dental clinic

Useful Links