My Smile Award

https://www.dentalhealthcareeoe.nhs.uk/services/oral-health-improvement/my-smile/

We are delighted to have gained the My Smile Accreditation in Acorn Nursery!

My Smile is a quality mark awarded to settings which fully implement steps to provide a tooth friendly environment for the children they care for.

To gain this award, we have successfully promoted dental checks for children, undertaking a survey to find out if children are registered with or visited a dentist and actively supported families with no dentistto register with a dental practice.

We have advocated the importance of a regular brushing programme for children and encouraged the use of fluoride varnish through class activities and providing all children in our Nursery at the time with age-appropriate toothbrushes and toothpaste to use at home.

Some of our children also completed and returned the tooth brushing charts we sent home.

We have demonstrated that we provide only tooth friendly drinks and snacks in our Nursery and adhere to a tooth friendly Celebration Policy (see the policies section of our School Website).

In addition, all of our Nursery staff have also received My Smile training.

Why is this important?

24.7% of five year olds in Bedford have tooth decay and, in Central Bedfordshire,this is 14.5%.

Aside from pain, distress, dental treatment, limitations in eating and lower self-confidence, tooth decay leads a number of very young children each year to the operating theatre for dental extractions.

What are the benefits of My Smile for your child?

? Better toothbrushing at home
? Willing to try more fruits and vegetables
? Building good toothbrushing skills
? Lessening the impact of sugar on the teeth
? Instilling good healthy habits
? You will be reminded of how important it is to visit the dentist regularly
? Extra toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste to strengthen teeth
? Less likely to need dental treatment

We are very proud of our children, parents and staff for their hard work in achieving this award and hope you find the photo’s of our activities, class display, brushing charts and the attached information from My Smile helpful.