Stop the Rot Campaign (teeth cleaning @ nursery)

[Gingerbear]

Great idea.
I had a letter from DD's nursery - they are supporting 'Stop the Rot' campaign, to encourage children to brush teeth after meals. DD has gone this morning with a container with a toothbrush/toothpaste/cup. She always brushes her teeth twice a day and has seen the dentist 3 times already.

I don't want her to end up like me with a mouthful of fillings.

\link{http://www.stop-the-rot.co.uk/\link here}

[Bozza]

The children have had toothbrushes/paste at nursery from age 1 onwards since DS turned 1 - over 4 years ago. I am not sure that much active cleaning goes on, ie I think the children are presented with loaded toothbrush and left to suck the paste off themselves.

[Gingerbear]

I wondered how the assistants would ensure that 15 children would ALL clean there teeth for 2 minutes!

Still, the habit is a good one to get into. Also, they are limiting sweet/sugary stuff (which they did anyway)

[Bozza]

Oh yes I agree. And peer pressure at nursery might encourage those that are reluctant brushers at nursery. I'm a big fan of harnessing positive peer pressure.

[jellyjelly]

I am trying to become approved for this for childminding. It is a fab idea but not sure how practical it will be.

[edam]

I thought you should only brush your teeth twice a day because any more often might wear away the enamel - or does that only apply to adults?

[moondog]

Hmm,I don't think it's a nursery's/childminder's job to do this.
Twice a day brushing is plenty I reckon. I used to do it X3 but my dentist told me this was overdoing it.
I'm 39 with no fillings.

[Gingerbear]

Moondog, that is what I thought too - twice a day.
Always thought a drink of water or milk after a meal was sufficient.
Maybe advice in the dental world has changed

[ThePrisoner]

I've been asked, as a childminder, to sometimes brush children's teeth after lunch. I don't have a problem with it at all.

[hulababy]

So when do they clean their teeth at nursery? Do they have breakfast there and do it after that? Or is this in addition to the two times a day?

DD has always, luckily, been very good with teeth brushing and we hae taken her to the dentist regularly since being small - first went at about 18 month as had front teeth missing. However I can understand how it could benefit more reluctant brushers.

[Bozza]

I think they do it after meals hula. That would mean DD getting hers done 5x on nursery days though because I always do them morning and night. As I say though I think it is a case of just letting them suck the brush. Also they don't get through the paste very quickly - well not compared with how the kids do at home.