My Smile is an accreditation awarded to early years settings that implement the four steps of the award. These create a tooth friendly environment for young children, helping to protect their oral health.
The programme supports children’s daily toothbrushing which is carried out in a fun way in the classroom with all their peers – the children really enjoy these toothbrushing sessions!
We ask for parental permission for your child to take part in the project with us at Blackberries Childcare Group. The criteria also ensures that snacks and drinks provided are tooth friendly and encourages families to visit the dentist regularly. Taking part in the project and promoting good oral hygiene from a young age will create good lifetime habits and protect children’s teeth from tooth decay and gum disease.
We worked closely with the NHS oral health team who provide support, advise and equipment to our settings throughout the programme.
Benefits for you and your children when taking part in the programme:
- Encourage good healthy habits
- Learning good toothbrushing skills
- Reduce the impact of sugar on teeth
- Tasting more fruits and vegetables
- Extra tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste to strengthen teeth
- Supporting families with access to dental care
- Less likely to suffer with tooth decay and toothache
In September 2021 the new EYFS framework was introduced and one of the main changes of this was the addition of welfare requirements where settings are now required to promote good oral health of children. Following research by Public Health England suggests that 1 in 5 children aged 5 have experienced tooth decay.
There are lots of fun ways you can help to encourage your child with their toothbrushing routine. You can introduce fun songs, watch videos together or share the time to brush your teeth together. You can even use sticker or reward charts if your child seems reluctant to brush their teeth.
Below are some links to some videos you may like to view:
Finny the Shark
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X4Udn7lbuY
The Tooth Brushing Song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4wDITXrvrc
