Dental Care in Childcare Centers

While parents are told in numerous ways how to keep up with their children’s dental care and how to encourage them to take care of their teeth themselves, great dental care in children stretches beyond the confines of home. Preschool-aged children usually eat two out of three meals and a snack every day in a childcare or preschool setting. Even if those foods are healthy, this span of time leaves much time for oral bacteria to accumulate between the children’s morning and nighttime brushings. With this to consider, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has made some recommendations regarding preschool programs for children’s dental care.

NAEYC Standards

The NAEYC, thought of as the golden standard for endorsing developmentally suitable programs for young children, has accredited criteria for dental care programs in childcare centers. These criteria state: "At least once daily in a program where children older than one year receive two or more meals, teaching staff provide an opportunity for tooth brushing and gum cleaning to remove food and plaque (use of toothpaste not required)."

The NAEYC even has a poster to hang around sinks for walking kids through the correct steps for tooth brushing. The poster includes simple instructions and pictures, making it relatively easy for the children to copy the steps.

Brushing Resistance

It’s not uncommon for childcare centers to oppose accepting dental care programs, and there are usually several reasons. Many preschools have only two teachers but maybe 20 children or more, which translates to many teeth to brush. Teeth brushing is messy and a time-consuming process, especially before the children become accustomed to it. Other relevant variables childcare centers consider are the costs of toothbrushes and toothpaste as well as storing and maintaining brushes in a sanitary manner.

Implementing Preschool Programs

It’s possible preschool directors would be more enthusiastic about tackling a dental care program if they were presented with proposals for making such a program happen. One preschool in Florida requires that kids brush after finishing lunch. The teachers brush any toddlers’ teeth while children over the age of three brush their own teeth under supervision. There are also cases and individual slots available for every toothbrush mounted to the walls near the sinks. As well, many programs request that parents bring toothpaste and a toothbrush for their child, thereby helping with the school’s costly budget.

It is important to remember that tooth brushing in childcare centers does not replace dental care in the home—it is meant to provide an advantage for children against plaque buildup and reinforce effective dental practices at a young age.

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