On this page we aim to provide you with lots of hints and tips for supporting your child's learning

Oral Health

Why oral health is included in the EYFS framework?

Good oral health habits need to be formed from the earliest age.

Tooth decay is largely preventable, but it’s still a serious problem among young children.

Did you know!

Nearly a quarter of 5 year olds in England have tooth decay, with 3 or 4 teeth affected on average.

Tooth extraction is one of the most common procedures for children under 6 in hospital. Extraction is also the most common reason for hospital admission for children aged 6 to 10.

Children from more deprived backgrounds are more likely to have tooth decay.

Children who have toothache, or need treatment, may have pain or infections. This can have a wider effect and lead to problems eating, sleeping, socialising and learning.

All the little things you do with your child – like everyday conversations, make-believe play and reading together – make a big difference to their development.

The Hungry Little Minds campaign provides lots of ideas that can help boost your child’s learning. You can slot them into your routine and your children will love them. Such as:

• Play ‘I spy’ on the bus with them and you can see their imaginations light up

• Talk to your child about what has happened so far in the day – for example, “We went to the shops this morning, didn’t we? We bought some apples.” And talk about what is going to happen next – “After lunch we’ll do the washing up”

• Look at picture books together. With each new page, give your child time to point out things to you and talk about what they can see.

Search Hungry Little Minds for simple tips and activities, or to find out what’s available where you live.