Good oral hygiene habits established in childhood can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
The Early Years Oral Health Team deliver education and training, provide tools for dental public health, and promote oral health across Thurrock. Our aim is to increase awareness of good oral health practices, and knowledge of dental services available, to decrease the number of Thurrock children needing to be admitted to hospital for tooth extractions.
During February half term, children at Thurrock libraries learnt lots of dental tips from the Tooth Fairy, here is what she had to say about the event:
Hello little ones,
It’s me, the Tooth Fairy, fluttering in with sparkling news!
I recently had the most wonderful time visiting children at Thurrock libraries for a day filled with dental delight and toothy treasures!
Oh, how my wings fluttered with joy as we gathered around to colour beautiful pictures, such vibrant toothbrushes and gleaming teeth in every shade of the rainbow!
During our magical gathering, I shared one of my most important secrets for keeping teeth strong and healthy: SPIT, DON’T RINSE!
That’s right! After you brush those precious pearly whites, simply spit out the toothpaste, but don’t rinse with water! This special trick keeps the magical fluoride from your toothpaste working on your teeth for longer, making them extra strong against those sneaky sugar monsters!
We also practiced our toothbrushing technique together. Remember:
- Brush for two whole minutes – that’s as long as it takes me to fly around a small garden!
- Reach every tooth, even the tricky ones at the back.
- Use gentle circular movements, like tiny fairy dances.
- Brush morning AND night, no excuses!
I could tell from the twinkle in your eyes that you were all paying such close attention. It makes my fairy heart swell with pride knowing you’re taking such good care of your teeth!
And when those baby teeth eventually come to me, I can tell which children have been brushing properly and which ones haven’t! (Yes, I really can tell!)
Keep up the wonderful work, my tooth champions!
Remember: SPIT, DON’T RINSE and brush twice every day!
Happy brushing!
Love,
The Tooth Fairy