Why is the first primary school year critical?
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At six years old, milk teeth start falling out and the first permanent molars appear. It marks the beginning of a period of mixed tooth sizes, with both primary and permanent teeth in the mouth. The growing teeth are not yet mature and therefore more vulnerable to decay.
At six years old, kids become more independent, so it’s crucial that they pick up good oral hygiene habits for themselves.
How to run the Signal BRUSH DAY + NIGHT Schools Programme in order to change behaviour:
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- The message needs to be simple and focused: experts agree that brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste is the most important habit when it comes to good oral health.
- The message needs to be repeated at least three times a year. This is why we‘ve developed three activity sheets for children: so that you can repeat the message in an entertaining way at key moments throughout the year.
- It’s important for parents to take part, so the brush day and night kit contains materials for children to bring back to their parents. Make sure that kids take them back home.
- Rewarding and reminding students to brush day and night is really important. We suggest you keep a record of brushing, by doing a daily or monthly check using the sticker calendar book you’ll find in the brush day and night teacher’s kit.
- For kids to pick up the habit, it’s important that they practise. We recommend you organise a brushing session in the school grounds or, if that’s not possible, show them how to brush on a mouth model.
Download the brush day and night school kit
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