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Oral health for secondary school age
Looking after teeth and gums
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
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!
Diet
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
Visting the dentist
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
Developed by the NHS, trusted by parents. It's like a mini doctor for your child at home. From birth up to 18 years.
The Healthier Together programme relies upon patients and healthcare professionals working together to improve how local healthcare is delivered. The website provides advice for parents, young people and pregnant women, and clinical resources to support healthcare professionals – which means that your child is likely to receive consistently high-quality care, irrespective of which healthcare professional they see.
