Oral Health

Oral health messages for children and young people should be included in learning related to nutrition. The key messages are:  

• Brush teeth for 2 minutes twice per day using toothpaste containing 1450ppm fluoride. Spit and DON’T rinse.  
• Restrict sugary food and drinks to mealtimes and choose sugar free medication when possible  

Everyone in Scotland is entitled to a free dental check-up. Children and young people should attend the dentist regularly and get treatment when required. Treatment is free for children and adults under age 26, people on certain benefits, pregnant women and for months after giving birth. You can contact your dentist if you feel pain or discomfort or call NHS 24 on 111.

The Oral Health Directorate provide the Fluoride Varnish Programme as a part of the Childsmile programme which provides targeted access to fluoride varnish for children 2+ within SIMD 1 and 2 areas. Fluoride is a mineral that slows down the process of and helps prevent decay. Concentrated fluoride is applied by brushing a fruity tasting paste onto the children teeth by extended duty dental nurses within the Early years setting. 

You can find more information on Early Years and Nutrition on the HWB Website here

Childsmile literature

Audio versions of the Childsmile literature to help you look after your child’s teeth - Access here

Drinks for babies and young children - Access here 

Snack Ideas for Children - Access here

Childsmile

Childsmile is a national toothbrushing programme designed to improve the oral health of children in Scotland and reduce inequalities both in dental health and access to dental services Click here to find out more.

Childsmile

Oral Health Foundation

Click here to learn more about your oral health from the Oral Health Foundation.

NHS Inform

Find information on keeping your child's teeth healthy can be found on NHS Inform by clicking here

The Glasgow City HSCP Health Improvement Team have pulled together a list of key strategy and policy links regarding Oral Health and Early Years. These documents should be used to inform planning and delivery within your establishment and school community.

These documents are a useful resource to build a knowledge base around current priorities and work around Oral Health and Early Years in Glasgow and across Scotland. Please note that clicking on these documents will take you to external websites.

Dental Statistics Public Health Scotland (2023) 

National dental inspection programme (2022/2023)

No Health without Oral Health (2019) 

Oral Health Improvement Plan (2018)