Teethbrushing Policy
Staff involvement
This policy was drawn up in consultation with the Head Teacher of Taynuilt Primary School and the staff of Taynuilt Pre 5 Unit.
Teeth brushing instructions:
- An adult will supervise the children brushing their teeth
- Instructions are clearly displayed in the bathroom
- All the children brush their teeth together after snack
- Children’s brushes are stored in the Animal Toothbrush Bus in the upright position and contact with other brushes is avoided
- Each child is allocated an animal on their brush and their names are recorded on the bus
- The toothbrushes are replaced each term or more frequently if necessary
- If a toothbrush falls on the floor then it must be changed
- Spare toothbrushes and toothpaste is always available
- The toothbrush bus is cleaned on a weekly basis with warm soapy water and is recorded in an appropriate document, staff should wash their hands before cleaning the bus and gloves should be worn
- Replace the toothbrush bus if it has cracks, scratches or rough surfaces develop
- Information about Oral health is available in the Oral health folder
- All staff have undergone training and have read the procedures
Teeth brushing procedures
- All children must get a parent/guardians consent before teeth brushing can begin, (No consent, No brushing)
- Fluoride toothpaste is used
- The adult supervising teeth brushing must first wash their hands thoroughly before and after
- The table is cleaned with antibacterial spray
- Paste is put on to a paper towel and is an appropriate size (Pea size)
- Children dry brush their teeth for 2 minutes
- Children are asked not to touch the bristles or any other toothbrush to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria
- Then spit (not swallow) their toothpaste
- Then rinse their brush under the tap without touching the sink
- Lastly, the children will place their toothbrush in the correct holder
Monitoring and Review
It is the responsibility of the Head Teacher along with the Pre 5 staff to monitor, evaluate and review the above arrangements and effectiveness of this policy and adjust them according to need.
