Oral Health Policy
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The setting provides care for children and promotes health through promoting oral health and hygiene, encouraging healthy eating, healthy snacks and tooth brushing.
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Fresh drinking water is available at all times and easily accessible.
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In partnership with parents, babies are introduced to an open free-flowing cup at 6 months and from 12 months are discouraged from using a bottle.
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Only water and milk are served with morning and afternoon snacks.
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Children are offered healthy nutritious snacks with no added sugar.
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Parents are discouraged from sending in confectionary as a snack or treat.
Where children clean their teeth when at the setting
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Children are encouraged to brush their teeth as part of the daily routine. Teeth should not be cleaned for at least one hour after a meal as this can cause loss of enamel.
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Each child has their own toothbrush, which is stored individually to prevent accidental contact and cross contamination.
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A small amount of toothpaste is put onto a small plate before applying to the brush to prevent cross contamination.
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Toothbrushes are cleaned at each session and sterilised weekly in Milton or similar disinfecting fluid.
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Oral hygiene activities are included in planning every three months when toothbrushes are changed.
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The setting co-ordinates with local oral health and ensure procedures are reviewed regularly, additional guidance from the local team may be added to this procedure.​
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Parents are advised to stop using dummies/pacifiers once their child is 12 months old.
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Dummies that are damaged are disposed of and parents are told that this has happened
EYFS Statutory Framework
Further guidance Infant & Toddler Forum: Ten Steps for Healthy Toddlers www.infantandtoddlerforum.org/toddlers-to-preschool/healthy-eating/ten-steps-for-healthy-toddlers/
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This Policy was adopted by Birley Community Preschool
On 15/09/2025
To be reviewed 15/09/2026
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Name of Signatory Jayne Humphreys - Manager
Donna Goude - Deputy Manager