Oral health newsletter inserts

for early childhood services

ContentsHow to use............................................................................................................................................3

About teeth...........................................................................................................................................4

Why are baby teeth important?........................................................................................................4

Teething.............................................................................................................................................4

When do adult (permanent) teeth come through?...........................................................................5

What is tooth decay?.........................................................................................................................5

What is gingivitis?..............................................................................................................................5

Drink well...............................................................................................................................................6

Introducing Drink well key message at our service............................................................................6

Healthy Drinks for Healthy Teeth......................................................................................................6

Why drink water?..............................................................................................................................7

Drink tap water..................................................................................................................................7

How much water should children drink?...........................................................................................8

Tips for tapping into water................................................................................................................8

Are diet soft drinks better for my child’s teeth?................................................................................8

What about fruit juice?......................................................................................................................8

Avoid sweet drinks............................................................................................................................9

Tips to reduce sweet drinks!..............................................................................................................9

Choose plain milk............................................................................................................................10

Milk is a healthy drink choice!.........................................................................................................10

How much dairy should children consume?....................................................................................11

Learning to drink from a cup!..........................................................................................................11

Eat well................................................................................................................................................12

Introducing Eat well key message at our service.............................................................................12

Eat well for babies and toddlers......................................................................................................12

Healthy Food for Healthy Teeth.......................................................................................................13

Tips to get your children to eat more fruit and vegies!...................................................................14

Enjoy healthy meals and snacks every day!.....................................................................................14

Our service supports healthy fundraising........................................................................................15

Clean well............................................................................................................................................16

Introducing Clean well key message at our service.........................................................................16

Clean well........................................................................................................................................16

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What age should I start brushing my child’s teeth?.........................................................................17

How often should I brush my child’s teeth?....................................................................................17

How to brush your child’s teeth......................................................................................................17

Taking the fuss out of the brush!.....................................................................................................18

What toothpaste should I use for my child?....................................................................................18

Does my child need to floss?...........................................................................................................19

Stay well..............................................................................................................................................20

When should my child first see an oral health professional?..........................................................20

Child Dental Benefit Schedule.........................................................................................................20

Looking after teeth - thumbs, fingers and dummies........................................................................21

Teeth and sport – prevention is the key!.........................................................................................21

Appendix A..........................................................................................................................................22

About teeth.....................................................................................................................................22

Appendix B..........................................................................................................................................22

Drink well.........................................................................................................................................22

Appendix C..........................................................................................................................................23

Eat well............................................................................................................................................23

Appendix D..........................................................................................................................................25

Clean well........................................................................................................................................25

Appendix E...........................................................................................................................................26

Stay well..........................................................................................................................................26

Dental Health Services VictoriaNovember 2014

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How to use

A series of newsletter inserts have been developed for early childhood education and care services to include in newsletters for families. The newsletter inserts promote the key oral health messages of Drink well, Eat well, Clean well and Stay well.

Some newsletter inserts target particular age groups, and others are appropriate for all age groups.

You may like to group some of the newsletter inserts together. For example, feature all newsletter inserts together relating to drinking water, or alternatively you may like to feature small snippets of information.

If you are an educator, you may like to include some photos of children at your service who are doing activities relating to the Drink well, Eat well, Clean well and Stay well messages. (For example, a child drinking water from a tap). Families love being able to recognise their children in newsletters, and this will make the information more meaningful for them.

We have also included some images that you may or may not choose to use. These can be located in the appendices section of this resource.

You are free to use any of the articles in this resource as they appear, however we ask that you acknowledge Dental Health Services Victoria as the source of the article. You may also choose to use the information to develop your own article, if you prefer.

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About teeth

Why are baby teeth important?Suitable for children up to 12 years

Baby teeth (also called deciduous teeth) are the first teeth a child develops. The average child has 20 baby teeth, including 10 in the upper jaw and 10 in the lower jaw. Baby teeth can remain in the mouth up to the age of 12 years, so it’s important to look after them. They will naturally fall out and be replaced by adult (or permanent) teeth but they are important for many reasons. They play a role in:

learning to speak keeping space for adult teeth to grow helping to shape a child’s face helping children to eat a wide variety of foods. Badly decayed or missing teeth may cause a

child to refuse food they find difficult to chew.

Baby’s first teeth usually come through between 6 and 9 months of age. You should start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they appear either with a soft wet cloth or a small soft toothbrush and water (no toothpaste until 18 months of age). Clean morning and night as part of your everyday routine.

TeethingSuitable for children 6 months to 3 years

Teething is the natural process of the tooth erupting (coming through).The first tooth will usually erupt at around 6 months of age. However, a very small number of babies will get their first tooth early and an even smaller number will be born with an erupted tooth. All teeth should be cleaned once they have erupted.

From the age of 6 months through to 3 years children will have their full set of baby teeth. The shedding process, when baby teeth begin to fall out, begins at around 6 years of age and continues through until 12 years.

Signs of teethingTeething can cause some pain and discomfort to babies and toddlers. Signs of teething include: restlessness during the day and sleeplessness at night irritability increased dribbling red and swollen gums which feel hard and pointed when pressed rubbing gums together in a grinding motion being fussy with food placing objects or fingers in the mouth.

A fever (or temperature above 37°C) is not associated with teething. If your child has a higher than normal temperature or diarrhoea seek medical advice.

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Managing teethingFor temporary relief, babies can be given something to bite on such as a damp cold face washer or a teething ring. Teething rings can be stored in the fridge to keep them cool, but never in the freezer. Do not put anything sweet on the teething ring (such as sugar, honey or jam).

Talk to your family doctor, maternal and child health nurse or pharmacist about pain relief medications for babies and young children.

Suitable image(s) can be located in Appendix A

When do adult (permanent) teeth come through?Suitable for all ages

Adult teeth (also called permanent teeth) begin to appear in the mouth from six years of age. Like baby teeth, the timing for when the adult teeth come through differs from one child to the next. Generally, by the age of 13 years an average person has 28 adult teeth.

Third molars, commonly called wisdom teeth generally come through between the ages of 17 and 21 years. By about 21 years, the average person has 32 adult teeth, including 16 in the upper jaw and 16 in the lower jaw.

Suitable image(s) can be located in Appendix A

What is tooth decay?Suitable for all ages

Tooth decay occurs when sugars in food and drinks we consume react with the bacteria in plaque, forming acids. Every time you eat or drink anything containing sugars, the acids attacks the teeth and start to soften and dissolve the hard outer layer of the tooth called enamel. The attacks can last for up to an hour after eating or drinking, before the minerals in your saliva cause the enamel to 'remineralise' and harden again.

Snacking between meals on sugary foods and drinks can increase the risk of tooth decay, as the teeth come under constant attack and do not have time to recover. Therefore it is important to limit sugary foods and drinks between meals.

What is gingivitis?Suitable for all ages

Gingivitis (or inflammation of the gums) is caused by plaque build-up on and between the teeth. Like dental decay, gingivitis can be prevented by brushing twice a day, eating a healthy diet, limiting sweet foods and drinks and drinking water.

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Drink well

Introducing Drink well key message at our serviceSuitable for children aged 3 to 5 years

We are encouraging children at <insert name of your service> to Drink well this term!

Drink well aims to promote:1. Tap water as the preferred drink2. Avoiding sugary drinks3. Choosing plain milk over flavoured

Suitable image(s) can be located in Appendix B

Healthy Drinks for Healthy TeethSuitable for children 0 to 3 years

The drink choices made for babies, toddlers and children impacts on their oral health. Babies under 12 months of age should be drinking breastmilk or infant formula. Toddlers and children should be encouraged to drink tap water and plain milk as a regular drink choice.

Babies start to get teeth from 6 months of age and so it is important to look after them. Babies receive most of their hydration from breast milk or infant formula. However, if your baby requires additional fluids, you can give them small amounts of cooled, boiled water from 6 months of age for breast fed babies or at any age for formula fed babies. Babies should be exclusively breastfed until around 6 months of age. Cow’s milk should not be given as the main drink to babies under 12 months, however small amounts may be used when preparing solid foods. Sweet drinks are not recommended for babies.

If using a feeding bottle, hold your child while feeding and never leave a baby to feed on their own (with a bottle propped). Do not put your baby to sleep with a bottle or prop the bottle against the baby’s mouth as this can lead to milk pooling on the babies teeth and result in tooth decay. Leaving your baby to feed from the bottle without supervision also increases the risk of choking and ear infection. You can introduce your baby to a cup at around six months of age to teach the skill of sipping from a cup. Bottles should be phased out by 12 months of age.

After 12 months of age, children can be offered full fat milk in a cup. From two years of age reduced fat milk can be offered. Milk is a good source of calcium which is needed for strong and healthy teeth. Remember that flavoured milks contain sugar and are not recommended.

For toddlers and older children (over 12 months of age) water should be the main drink. Offer children water to drink throughout the day and with meals and snacks. Always encourage children to drink water when they are thirsty as water is the best thirst quencher. Tap water is the best choice as in most areas of Victoria; it contains fluoride which protects teeth.

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Children should not drink sweet drinks such as soft drinks, cordial, fruit juice, fruit drinks, sports drinks and energy drinks. In some cases, children are constantly sipping on a sweet drink throughout the day which can lead to tooth decay.

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Experts say that fruit juice is not necessary and should not be offered to children under the age of 12 months. Whole fruit is much better than juice. Whole fruit is a convenient and healthy snack that provides many vitamins and minerals (such as fibre) and help children develop skills such as peeling and chewing.

Key points to remember to help choose drinks for healthy teeth for babies, toddlers and children:1. Babies received their hydration through breast milk or infant formula. If your baby requires

some additional fluids, provide them with small amounts of cooled boiled water from six months of age for breast fed babies or from any age for formula fed babies.

2. Do not put your baby to sleep with a bottle.3. Avoid feeding using a ‘propped’ bottle. From 6 months of age, you can introduce your baby

to a cup and by 12 months of age children should use a cup for drinking.4. Toddlers and children should be offered tap water and plain milk throughout the day and

with meals and snacks.5. Sweet drinks such as soft drinks, cordial, fruit juice, fruit drinks, sports drinks and energy

drinks are not appropriate for children. 6. Flavoured milk also contains sugar and is not recommended.

For more information about healthy drinking, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Suitable image(s) can be located in Appendix B

Why drink water?Suitable for children 6 months to 5 years

Encourage your child to drink tap water when they are thirsty. Water is constantly lost from the body and needs to be replaced regularly to prevent dehydration. Drinking too little fluid can also lead to dehydration, which may cause your child to become tired. Children are particularly susceptible to dehydration which may impact on their ability to concentrate and learn.

Dehydration in infants can be dangerous. If you suspect your infant is dehydrated, seek advice from your doctor.

Drink tap waterSuitable for children 6 months and over

Encourage your child to drink plenty of tap water. Fluoride in tap water provides added protection from dental decay for both developing teeth (under the gum) and erupted teeth (present in the mouth). Fluoride acts as a constant repair kit by repairing early stages of tooth decay before it develops further.

Bottled water may not contain fluoride. If drinking bottled water, try to choose bottled water that contains fluoride.

Suitable image(s) can be located in Appendix B.

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How much water should children drink?Suitable for children 12 months to 8 years.

The amount of water children need on a daily basis depends on their age, activity level and the weather. As a general guide, children between 1 to 8 years of age need to drink around 4 - 5 cups of water per day.

Tips for tapping into waterSuitable for all ages

For healthy bodies and healthy teeth your whole family should drink plenty of tap water. Tap water is cheap, is better for the environment than bottled water, and in most cases has fluoride in it for healthy teeth.

Here are a few tips for drinking plenty of tap water. Keep a jug of water in the fridge. Provide water with meals and snacks. Teach children to help themselves to water, but make sure they ask for permission for sweet

drinks. When you are out and about, make sure everyone has their own water bottle. Make fancy ice. You can buy ice trays that create ice blocks in all shapes and sizes.

Use these tips to help make healthier drink choices in your home!

Are diet soft drinks better for my child’s teeth?Suitable for all ages

Even though soda, plain mineral water and artificially sweetened drinks such as diet soft drinks do not contain sugar, they are very acidic. Frequent consumption of acidic drinks may lead to tooth erosion. Tooth erosion is the gradual dissolving of the tooth’s enamel which is the white, hard outer layer. This can increase the risk of tooth decay. Other acidic drinks include soft drinks, fruit juice and sports drinks.

Drinking artificially sweetened drinks such as diet soft drinks, can lead to a preference for sweet drinks and create a habit for sweet drinks.

What about fruit juice? Suitable for all ages

Fruit juice is often seen as a healthy drink choice for children as it is often marketed as being free from added sugar and only containing natural ingredients. Even 100% fruit juice with no added sugar is high in natural sugars which still cause tooth decay. Fruit juice is also often acidic and high in sugar which damage teeth.

Children only need half an orange to get their daily dose of vitamin C – yet it takes three or four oranges to make one glass of orange juice. Children who drink juice are getting much more sugar in a glass of juice than they would if they ate a piece of whole fruit.

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Experts say that fruit juice should not be given to children under the age of twelve months. Children do not need sweet drinks, including fruit juice for a healthy diet.

Water and plain milk are the best drink choices for toddlers and older children. If you would like to give juice to a child aged over 1 year we recommend that:

Juice should not be put in sippy cups Juice should not be given at bed time Juice should be limited to about half a cup per day for children aged over 12 months.

Fruit is a very important part of your child’s diet. Juice should not replace fruit at any age. Give children fruit that has been stewed, mashed, chopped or sliced so that it is the right texture for your child’s age. Fruit is a convenient and healthy snack that provides vitamins and fibre. It helps children develop skills such as peeling and chewing and teaches children about different textures, colours and tastes.

Avoid sweet drinksSuitable for all ages

Children who regularly consume sweet drinks such as cordial, soft drink and fruit juice are at an increased risk of tooth decay as they contain large quantities of sugar. Did you know that a 600ml bottle of soft drink can contain up to 16 teaspoons of sugar? Sweet drinks are also high in energy (kilojoules) and offer very little nutrition. Regular intake of sweet drinks can contribute to a range of problems including:

Tooth decay and erosion Excess weight gain Reduced appetite which may lead to fussy/picky eating Changes in bowel habits.

Suitable image(s) can be located in Appendix B

Tips to reduce sweet drinks!Suitable for all ages

Encourage all family members to drink tap water with meals and snacks. Role modelling is important to encourage children to develop healthy habits.

Carry a water bottle and get one for everyone in the family, so you don't have to buy a drink if you're thirsty.

Before you go out, remind everyone to refill their bottles with tap water. If they’re thirsty, encourage them to drink some water first.

Give your child their own water bottle to take along to day care or kindergarten so they can refill with water throughout the day.

Avoid buying sweet drinks. Offer plain milk without flavourings. Avoid adding flavourings and toppings with added

sugar to plain milk as the added sugars can lead to tooth decay. When other people look after your child, ask them to give your child plain milk or tap water

rather than sugar sweetened drinks.

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If your family is finding it hard to kick the sweet drink habit, try watering down sweet drinks gradually over a few days to help make the swap to water easier. You can also reduce the number of sweet drinks per day and offer watered down drinks until you can stop them. Children may be upset at first but will get used to it if you continue.

Remember, it’s never too late to start reducing sweet drinks!

Choose plain milkSuitable for children over 12 months

Milk is an important source of calcium, protein and other essential nutrients. Calcium found in milk and in other dairy products keeps bones and teeth strong and healthy! Ensure that you choose plain milk rather than flavoured milk which contains added sugars Children can be offered full fat milk in a cup after 12 months of age. From two years of age reduced fat milk can be offered.

Fortified soy drink or calcium-enriched rice and oat beverages can be used after 12 months under health professional supervision. Talk to your maternal and child health nurse or family doctor for more advice.

Remember that too much milk can affect appetite. Talk to your maternal and child health nurse or family doctor for more information.

Suitable image(s) can be located in Appendix B

Milk is a healthy drink choice!Suitable for children 12 months to 3 years

For toddlers and older children, tap water is the preferred drink but plain milk is also a healthy drink choice. It is a good source of calcium which keeps bones and teeth strong and healthy.

How much milk is enough?For children over 12 months of age, too much milk can lead to poor appetite. The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating recommends that children aged 2-8 years consume at least 1.5 to 2 servings daily from the dairy group. Examples of one serve include:

1 cup (250ml) plain milk or ¾ cup (200g tub) yoghurt or 2 slices (40g) cheese.

What type of milk is best?Babies under 12 months of age should be drinking either breastmilk or infant formula. After 12 months of age full fat cow’s milk can be offered and after 2 years of age reduced fat cow’s milk can be given. Flavoured milks should be avoided as they contain added sugar which may lead to tooth decay.

After 12 months offer milk in a cup rather than a feeding bottle.

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Cow’s milk alternatives such as fortified soy drink or calcium-enriched rice and oat beverages can be used after 12 months under health professional supervision. Talk to your maternal and child health nurse or family doctor for more advice.

Suitable image(s) can be located in Appendix B.

How much dairy should children consume? Suitable for children up to 8 years

The Australian Dietary guidelines recommend children aged up to 8 years consume 1 ½ to 2 serves of dairy per day. Examples of one serve include:

1 cup (250ml) plain milk or ¾ cup (200g tub) yoghurt or 2 slices (40g) cheese.

The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommends reduced fat dairy products over the age of two years.

As children under 2 years are growing rapidly and have high energy (kilojoule) needs, reduced fat milks are not recommended as a main milk food for this age, but are suitable after 2 years of age.

Learning to drink from a cup!Suitable for children 6 months to 12 months

Learning to drink from a cup is part of growing up. From 6 months of age children can start to learn this new skill. You can start with a ‘sippy cup’ and then move to a regular cup. Be patient and don’t worry too much about the mess, it won’t take long for your baby to master the skill.

After 12 months offer drinks in a cup rather than a feeding bottle. Remember that prolonged bottle feeding can lead to tooth decay, ear infections and/or low iron.

Bottles are often part of a settling routine and provide comfort as well as nutrition so stopping the bottle can be a challenge. Tips for reducing bottles include:

gradually reduce the number of bottles or the amount in each bottle stop some of the day time bottles first and offer a small cup of full fat milk or if your child is

under one year, offer infant formula/expressed milk instead Introduce a new bed time routine such as a small cup of milk instead of the bottle, story time

or a cuddly toy.

If your baby is breast fed, you may choose to wean onto a cup rather than a feeding bottle.

Talk to your maternal and child health nurse if you need more support to stop the bottle.

Suitable image(s) can be located in Appendix B.

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Eat wellIntroducing Eat well key message at our serviceSuitable for children 3 to 5 years

We are encouraging children at <insert name of your service > to Eat well this term!

The Eat well message aims to promote: Enjoying a wide variety of nutritious foods Enjoying healthy snacks Limiting sugary foods and sweets, especially between meals.

Suitable image(s) can be located in Appendix C.

Eat well for babies and toddlersSuitable for children 0 to 3 years

In the first 6 months of life, your baby’s food is breastmilk or infant formula. At around 6 months of age children can start to eat solid foods and by 12 months of age they should be enjoying a wide variety of healthy foods similar to the rest of the family.

For healthy teeth: Put baby to bed without a bottle or take the bottle away when your baby has finished

feeding. Putting baby to sleep while drinking from a bottle is a choking risk as well as increasing the risk of an ear infection and tooth decay. When babies fall asleep with a bottle some milk stays in their mouth and on the teeth which can lead to tooth decay.

When your baby is finished feeding, remove your baby from the breast or bottle. Only use bottles for expressed breastmilk, infant formula or cooled boiled water. Never put

anything sweet in a feeding bottle. Introduce a cup at 6 months of age and stop feeding bottles by 12 months of age. After 12

months of age offer drinks in a cup. Introduce healthy ‘first foods’ and don’t add sugar or honey. As long as iron-rich foods are

included in first foods, you can introduce foods in any order. The texture of foods should be suitable for your baby’s stage of development. Start with purees and go on to lumpy then to normal textures between 6 and 12 months of age. Different textures are important to help babies learn how to chew.

For toddlers and older children, avoid sweet foods and drinks, especially between meals.

For more information about healthy eating, visit www.eatforhealth.gov.au or talk to your maternal and child health nurse or family doctor.

Suitable image(s) can be located in Appendix C.

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Healthy Food for Healthy TeethSuitable for children up to 6 years

Healthy eating contributes to good oral health. Offer your child healthy foods from a young age to help establish healthy eating patterns that will be with them for life.

0-12 monthsBreast feeding is a healthy way to feed your baby and breastmilk provides all of the nutrients your baby needs. Babies can also be fed using an infant formula. Breast milk or infant formula or should be your baby’s only food for around the first 6 months of life. Solid foods should be introduced at around 6 months of age. When solids are introduced, breastfeeding should be continued until 12 months and beyond, for as long as the mother and child desire. It is important that you do not put your baby to sleep with a bottle, as the milk stays in the mouth and on the teeth and this can cause tooth decay.

After 6 months of age, you can start to introduce your baby to solids. As long as iron-rich foods are included in first foods, foods can be introduced in any order and at a rate that suits the infant. Iron-rich foods include iron-enriched infant cereals, pureed meat, poultry and fish, or cooked tofu and legumes. Vegetables, fruits and dairy products such as full-fat yoghurt, cheese and custard can then be added.

From 6 to 12 months of age children can start to drink from a cup. Drinking from a cup is a part of growing up for babies, and helps get children used to drinking water and plain milk which are good for healthy and strong teeth.

12-18 months It is important to offer toddlers the same healthy foods as the family, with a variety of textures and flavours. Foods and drinks that are high in sugar can lead to tooth decay, and so these should be avoided.

Toddlers may prefer small main meals and regular snacks rather than the traditional meal pattern. You can offer toddlers nutritious snacks such as fruit and vegetables, yoghurt, cheese and dry biscuits and healthy sandwiches. Allow a 1 and a half to two hour break between each meal and snack. This gives teeth time to recover from the acid made by food and drinks.

After 12 months your child should use a cup for drinking. Your child can drink tap water or plain full fat milk from a cup.

18 months – 6 yearsAs children begin to attend early childhood services such as long day care and kindergarten, they begin to take on a new routine. It is important that children are offered regular meals, snacks and water to keep them healthy and active.

Children need a variety of foods including fruit and vegetables, legumes and beans, grains and cereals, meat, fish, chicken and eggs and plain milk, cheese and yoghurt. After the age of 2 years, you can offer children reduced fat dairy options.

Foods that are high in sugar should be avoided as these can lead to tooth decay.

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Sweet drinks such as juice, cordial, soft drink and sports drinks are not needed. Caffeinated drinks, tea, coffee and herbal drinks are not recommended for children. Ensure that you choose plain milk rather than flavoured milk which contains added sugars.

Did you know? Your baby will develop a preference for sweet tasting foods and drinks if he or she has sweet foods and drinks regularly.

Tips to get your children to eat more fruit and vegies!Suitable for children up to 5 years

Role modelling is essential. Children need to see their parents; carers and siblings enjoy fruit and vegetables as part of their everyday life.

Offer fruits and vegetables in a variety of ways. Children sometimes need to be offered a new food over 10 times before they are ready to try it!

Children may refuse new foods if the meal time is stressful, so focus on the positives and try to avoid arguments over food.

Take time to eat together and relax at mealtimes. If possible, avoid offering alternatives to the meal you have prepared. Children will learn to

accept the meal offered if nothing else is available. Always include vegetables with every meal. Children should be encouraged to try

vegetables, but left to decide whether to eat them or not. Sometimes children need to be offered a new food over 10 times before they’re ready to try it!

Enjoy healthy meals and snacks every day!Suitable for children up to 5 years

Healthy snacks are important for healthy teeth. Children begin to eat solid foods from around 6 months of age, and from 12 months of age children should be enjoying a wide variety of healthy foods similar to the rest of the family.

Young children may prefer to have regular snacks and small meals. Offer your child small serves to start, and give more if they are still hungry. Children should eat according to their appetite and enjoy eating with their family. Teeth need a rest between meals to recover from the acid produced when we eat and drink. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours between meals and snacks, to allow teeth to recover.

Children should eat nutritious foods from the five food groups every day. Healthy snacks include fresh fruit and vegetables, yoghurt, cheese and dry biscuits and healthy sandwiches. Dried fruits such as sultanas, apricots and apples have had most of the water removed in the drying process and have higher concentration of sugar than fresh fruit. These should only be consumed in small amounts. Dried fruit is also sticky and can stay on teeth for a longer time, increasing risk of tooth decay.

Young children aged 3 years and under are at a risk of choking on small hard objects so foods such as hard pieces of carrot and apple should be cooked or grated to prevent choking.

Offering healthy meals and snacks throughout the day is important. If children are hungry outside of set meal times, provide a healthy snack such as a piece of fresh fruit, sandwich or piece of cheese together with a glass of tap water.

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Our service supports healthy fundraisingSuitable for children up to 5 years

It is important to try and reduce children’s exposure to unhealthy food and drink advertising and marketing.

Traditional fundraising activities in early childhood services have largely been food focused, often promoting unhealthy choices, such as chocolate drives. Healthy or alternative fundraisers may require more planning, however they will be more rewarding as they promote healthy eating and living, as well as raising money. Some healthy or alternative fundraising ideas include:

Raffles using donations from local organisations, families, carers or other community members

A second hand book stall Herb gardens/seeds Fruit and vegetable drives Toothbrush drives Physical activity events including ‘Runathons’, ‘Walkathons’, ‘Skipathons’, or ‘Skateathons’.

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Clean well

Introducing Clean well key message at our serviceSuitable for children 3 to 5 years

We are encouraging children at <insert name of your service > to Clean well this term!

Clean well aims to promote: Brushing twice a day with a low fluoride children’s toothpaste Developing good oral hygiene practices at an early age Ensuring children have regular dental check ups.

Suitable image(s) can be located in Appendix D

Clean wellSuitable for children up to 8 years

For babies, toddlers and children to achieve good oral health, cleaning or brushing teeth at least twice a day (in the morning and before bed) to remove plaque that can cause tooth decay and gum disease is important.

0-18 monthsIt is important to clean your baby’s teeth as soon as they appear in the mouth. Some babies are born with a tooth or teeth, and others will start to appear at about 6 months of age. At this young age, toothpaste is not recommended, however teeth can still be cleaned using a soft cloth or a soft small-head toothbrush with water to clean all surfaces of the teeth and gums twice a day following the morning feed and before going to sleep in the evening.

18 months to 6 yearsAn adult should brush their child’s teeth and gums gently using a soft small-head toothbrush. At the age of 18 months, low fluoride toothpaste should be introduced. Use a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride toothpaste designed for children from 18 months to 6 years, unless otherwise recommended by an oral health professional. It is important for children to spit out any remaining toothpaste. Do not rinse with water as this will remove the fluoride from the teeth.

If you live in an area where your water is not fluoridated, ask your oral health professional if your child should use low fluoride or regular fluoride toothpaste or brush their teeth more than two times a day.

6 years and overAfter the age of six, children can use regular fluoride toothpaste and brush teeth using a soft small-head toothbrush, at least twice a day.

If you live in an area where your water is not fluoridated, ask your oral health professional if your child should use regular fluoride or higher strength fluoride toothpaste or brush their teeth more than two times a day.

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An adult family member should always supervise and help a child to brush their teeth until they are eight years old. A good guide to know they are ready is when they are able to tie their own shoelaces.

Find out more about cleaning your child’s teeth on the Raising Children Network website http://raisingchildren.net.au/

Remember:Teeth cleaning helps to stop decay but healthy food and drinks are also important.

Suitable image(s) can be located in Appendix D.

What age should I start brushing my child’s teeth?Suitable for children 6 to 12 months

You should start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears in the mouth - usually around 6-9 months of age. Cleaning can be done by wiping each tooth front and back using a damp piece of gauze or a damp face washer wrapped around a finger. All children’s teeth should be cleaned at least twice each day. At approximately 12 months of age (or sooner if the child will allow it), a toothbrush designed for children (small head and soft bristles) can be introduced.

Suitable image(s) can be located in Appendix D.

How often should I brush my child’s teeth?Suitable for children 0 to 8 years

Children under 8 years of age need help from an adult to clean their teeth. A good indication of when a child can brush their own teeth is when a child can tie their own shoe laces. To reduce the risk of tooth decay, children’s teeth should be brushed twice a day, once in the morning and once before going to bed.

How to brush your child’s teeth Suitable for children 18 months to 6 years

1. Smear a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride toothpaste onto a soft children's toothbrush.2. Sit the child in your lap, facing away from you, or stand behind taller children. Tilt the child's

head back against your body so you can see all the surfaces of the teeth.3. Angle the bristles of the toothbrush towards the gum. Move the brush in gentle circles to

clean the outer sides of the teeth and gums.4. Brush in gentle circles on the inside of the teeth and gums.5. Brush back and forward on the chewing surface of the teeth.6. After brushing all the surfaces, encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste7. Do not allow them to swallow or rinse. The small amount of fluoridated toothpaste left in

their mouth after spitting continues to protect against tooth decay

Suitable image(s) can be located in Appendix D.

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Taking the fuss out of the brush!Suitable for children 0 to 7 years

Cleaning teeth morning and night is important for healthy teeth. Children don’t always enjoy having their teeth cleaned so here are some tips that have worked for some families.

Every child is different so try different ideas to find what works for your child!

Routine, routine, routine!Children are less likely to resist brushing if it is part of their everyday routine. Before the first tooth appears, start wiping gums with a damp cloth or introducing a toothbrush to play with at bath time. Once the first tooth appears, clean at least twice a day.

Keep it upbeat!Praise when your child is co-operative! Always use positive language, for example: “What a great smile you have, can we make it sparkle?” or “You are doing such a great job!”

Play or sing a song while brushing.Sing your child’s song or favourite nursery rhymes while brushing their teeth. There are lots of apps and videos to help engage children and make brushing fun. Visit www.sesamestreet.org/parents/topicsandactivities/toolkits/teeth or http://2min2x.org/ for ideas.

Tell a story about animals with big teeth while brushing or ask your child to brush their favourite doll or toy's teeth before you brush theirs.

Avoid brushing time turning into a power struggle Always let your child have a go at brushing their own teeth but remember, children need help from an adult up to the age of 8 years. Taking it in turns brushing will develop skills while ensuring that the teeth are properly cleaned.

If your child becomes upset or difficult, stay calm and continue to brush if you can. If your child refuses, try waiting ten minutes and then try again. You can brush your own teeth in this time while your child watches.

Be a positive role modelMake sure your child sees you and other family members brushing their teeth. This will help to reinforce that cleaning teeth is a regular part of life.

What toothpaste should I use for my child? Suitable for children 18 months to 6 years

Children aged 18 months to six years should use low fluoride toothpaste, unless otherwise recommended by an oral health professional. Children are encouraged to spit out but not swallow or rinse toothpaste as the small amount of fluoridated toothpaste left in your mouth after spitting continues to protect against tooth decay.

Fluoride found in toothpaste and fluoridated water supplies provides added protection from tooth decay. Fluoride acts as a constant repair kit by preventing or repairing early stages of tooth decay before it develops further.

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Does my child need to floss?Suitable for all ages

Flossing, or interdental cleaning, removes plaque and food particles in places where a toothbrush can’t easily reach - like under the gum line and between teeth. Not all children need to floss. Your oral health professional can advise whether flossing or interdental cleaning is necessary for your child.

Children should brush their teeth along the gum line twice a day with a soft brush using a low fluoride toothpaste designed for children.

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Stay wellWhen should my child first see an oral health professional?Suitable for all ages

Children should have their teeth checked by a health professional by the age of two. This can be done by a maternal and child health nurse, family doctor, a dentist, oral health therapist or a dental therapist.

Ensure children have regular dental check-ups, don’t wait for a problem! The first signs of tooth decay in children often go unnoticed by families and carers. Early detection is important!

For many children, the first dental visit is about becoming familiar with the dental environment. Children can sit on a family member’s knee or lap whilst in the dental chair or even watch other members of the family have their teeth checked first.

Children can access both private and public dental services or continue to see their usual dental care provider.

Suitable image(s) can be located in Appendix E

Child Dental Benefit ScheduleSuitable for children 2 to 17 years

The Commonwealth Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS) provides basic dental treatment for children aged 2-17 years. Children of families who receive either Family Tax Benefit A (FTB-A) or other relevant Australian Government payment are eligible for up to $1000 dental benefits per child over two consecutive calendar years. Eligibility and benefit balances can be checked online at my.gov.au or by calling Medicare on 132 011.

Dental treatments covered include examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals and extractions. These treatments can be provided through public or private dental clinics.

The CDBS is bulk billed via Medicare at all Victorian public dental clinics with no out of pocket expenses. Children still have priority access, which means they get the next available appointment.

There are over 80 public dental clinics across Victoria, to find a local public clinic visit www.dhsv.org.au or call (03) 9341 1000. When making an appointment for the child, the family should let the dental clinic know that they are eligible for the CDBS.

Families who choose to use a private dentist should also ask about the CDBS at that clinic. Questions to ask include:

Does the clinic offer bulk billing? What are the fees? Will there be a gap payment?

Some private dentists may charge more than the scheduled fee. In these cases there will be a gap for the family to pay.

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Note: As at May 2015, the Federal Government has confirmed CDBS will continue for public dental clinics until 30 June 2016. For more information go to www.dhs.gov.au

Looking after teeth - thumbs, fingers and dummiesSuitable for children 0 to 5 years

Some children find it soothing to suck on a finger, thumb or dummy. This is a healthy and normal behaviour which most children stop by themselves, around four years of age. Thumb and finger sucking beyond four years of age can cause the front teeth and the surrounding bone to be pushed out of shape, affecting appearance, speech, and ability to bite.

Dummies Do not put anything sweet on a dummy such as honey or jam as this can cause tooth decay. Encourage your child to give up the dummy at 12 months. Studies of thumb suckers show they have a greater problem in breaking their habit than do

dummy suckers.

Some tips to assist your child to break the thumb or finger sucking habit: Reward the child through praise or a hug. You might like to take them on a surprise outing,

give them a special privilege or toy as a reward for breaking the habit for a certain amount of time. Food should not be offered as a reward

Offer encouragement and be patient. Limit nagging as this may be counter-productive. Children must control the habit and if

children feel they are being nagged they may become defensive. A good strategy is to give occasional comments which bring the sucking activity to the child’s notice.

Reminders can also assist children to not suck; you could give your child a mitten or unpleasant-tasting nail paint (available from pharmacies) for their finger or thumb. Keeping children’s hands busy through toys and books is another strategy to help children break the habit.

It might take several attempts for the sucking habit to be broken completely. Patience is key and it is the child’s first days without sucking that is the most difficult. If the habit continues into the preschool years, seek advice from your oral health professional.

Suitable image(s) can be located in Appendix E.

Teeth and sport – prevention is the key!Suitable for all ages

Avoid drinking sugary drinks such as sports drinks, juice or soft drinks. Tap water is a better thirst quencher and has no sugar! It is recommended that school aged children wear mouthguards whilst playing contact sports to prevent damage to teeth and gums.

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Appendix AAbout teeth

Appendix BDrink well

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Appendix CEat well

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Appendix DClean well

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Appendix EStay well

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