Tooth Brushing

Toothbrushing in the Early Years

At Willow Nursery, we build toothbrushing into the daily routine to help children develop healthy lifelong habits. Through supervised, hands-on practice, children learn how to look after their teeth, gaining confidence and independence as they brush. Staff gently guide children to understand why oral hygiene matters and support them to make positive choices for their health.

This links closely to the EYFS Prime Area: Physical Development, particularly Health and Self-Care. Children learn to manage their own personal hygiene, handle equipment safely, and develop the fine motor skills needed to control a toothbrush. The routine also supports children’s understanding of self-care and wellbeing, helping them form habits that will benefit them long into the future.

In line with guidance from Brent Council and NHS oral health programmes, our approach supports local early years initiatives that promote supervised toothbrushing to help reduce tooth decay and encourage healthy habits from a young age. By introducing brushing as part of a consistent daily routine, children become familiar with the process and are more likely to continue good oral health practices at home.

To support good oral health, children are encouraged to brush their teeth regularly using fluoride toothpaste. Current health guidance recommends:

• Brushing teeth twice a day, especially before bedtime.
• Using a smear of fluoride toothpaste (around 1000ppm) for children under 3.
• Using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (1350ppm or above) for children aged 3 and over.
• Encouraging children to spit out toothpaste and avoid rinsing with water, allowing the fluoride to continue protecting the teeth.
• Adult supervision while brushing until around age 7 to ensure teeth are cleaned properly.

At Willow Nursery, we ensure toothbrushing routines are inclusive and accessible for all children, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Staff adapt the routine to meet individual needs by providing additional guidance, visual prompts, sensory-friendly approaches, and one-to-one support where required. Some children may need more time, encouragement, or adapted equipment to feel comfortable and confident during toothbrushing, and our staff work closely with families and professionals to ensure each child is supported in the way that works best for them.

By embedding toothbrushing into everyday nursery life, we help all children develop confidence in caring for themselves, build independence, and understand that looking after their teeth is an important part of staying healthy and feeling good.