Ideas for schools
- Set up a dental corner in the classroom.
- Find out what teaching kits and other resources are available from your local health promotion department that can promote dental health in the curriculum.
- Devise innovative ways of implementing a healthy snack policy.
- Establish a healthy tuck shop.
- Support any tooth-brushing programme within your school.
- Implement a no confectionary as reward policy.
- Develop and implement a drinking water policy in the school. Encourage children to drink more water by providing water bottles and/or water dispensers.
- Find out whether a local general dental practitioner or community oral health promoter can come in to talk to the children.
- Invite local dentists to contribute oral health articles for the school magazine or website.
- Include oral and dental health in any health events in the school.
- Invite parents and carers to health events in your school.
- Encourage links with the home through participation by parents and carers in oral health projects.
- Arrange visits to a local dental clinic.
- Find out from your local health promoting schools contact what oral health promotion programmes are being developed for schools in your area.
- Encourage the use of professionally made mouth guards during sport.
Resources
Me and My Mouth website
This interactive website for children has a host of activities aimed at helping them learn about good oral health and how to look after their teeth. The password smile should be used to login.
Healthy Teeth in Healthy Mouths
This teaching pack from Health Scotland is designed for use with children aged 7-9 years-old.
What’s happening to our children’s teeth?
This free 10 minute long informative DVD gives advice and helpful information on looking after children’s teeth.
Give Teeth a Chance
This explains clearly the basics of good dental and oral health and contains information on how to help children establish good habits.
Shine
Upbeat Health Scotland leaflet aimed at teenagers emphasising the importance of good dental and oral care and the ease of maintaining it.
