Back to Oral Health

Oral health for secondary school age

Key health professionals involved here:

  • School Nurses
  • Teaching Staff

Looking after teeth and gums

Key messages:

  • Oral health is part of the national curriculum in Key Stage 3 and 4 science, and Relationships Education, Relationships and Sexual Education (RSE) and Health Education

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Toothbrushing

Key messages:

  • Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing 1350-1500ppm fluoride.  Most ‘own brand’ supermarket toothpastes are suitable and more affordable
  • Brush all the surfaces of the teeth and gumline in small circles for around 2 minutes, twice a day - just before bedtime and at another time that fits in with your routine
  • Spit out the toothpaste and do not rinse!

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Diet: 

Key messages:

  • Reduce the amount and frequency of having foods and drinks that contain sugar, only give sweet foods including dried fruit at mealtimes
  • Squashes sweetened with sugar, fizzy drinks, soft drinks and juice drinks have no place in a child’s daily diet
  • Limit the amount of fruit juice and/or smoothies your child drinks to a maximum of 150 mls (one portion) in total per day and drink it with meals to reduce the risk of tooth decay
  • Always ask for sugar-free medicines

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Visiting the dentist:

Key Messages

  • Adults should have a regular check-up at the dentist at least once every 2 years, and children at least once a year
  • NHS dental treatment is free for children under 18 or under 19 and in qualifying full-time education
  • Some adults can also get free NHS dental treatment
  • Going to the dentist regularly helps the child become familiar with the dental environment, and enables the dentist to pick up on any problems as early as possible
  • The dentist can paint fluoride varnish on children’s teeth to protect them from tooth decay.  All children over 3 should have it applied at least twice a year, and it may also be used for younger children at high risk of tooth decay.  Parents/carers should ask their dentist about fluoride varnish

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