The Importance of Oral Health Education in Kindergartens and Schools

In the pursuit of overall well-being, the crucial role of oral health education in early childhood cannot be overstated. Establishing good habits during these formative years lays the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy smiles and overall health.

A child’s oral health is more important than you may realise. Many aspects of oral disease – including dental caries – are preventable and can be treated in their early stages with routine dental examinations, preventive care and oral health education.

Here’s a few reasons why integrating oral health education into kindergartens and schools is fundamental to a child’s general health and well-being.

Lifelong Habits from Early Learning

• Introducing oral health education early empowers children with the skills for a lifetime of good oral hygiene, fostering a sense of responsibility for their health.

Preventing Tooth Decay

• Educating children on regular brushing, flossing, and a balanced diet significantly reduces the risk of tooth decay, addressing common childhood issues.

Knowledge Empowers

• Beyond brushing techniques, comprehensive understanding connects oral health to overall well-being, instilling the importance of good oral care.

Fostering a Positive Attitude

• Making oral health engaging in early education helps form positive associations, encouraging children to embrace oral hygiene as part of their routine.

Nutritional Awareness

• Oral health education often includes guidance on a balanced diet, contributing to nutritional awareness and its direct impact on both oral and overall health.

Australian Dental Foundation is here to help and support you. The largest program of its kind, My School Dentist is an onsite dental program which supports convenient access to no out of pocket expense oral health care and education to students at kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools.

Additionally, we have developed a series of free resources about all aspects of oral health to help make oral health care easier for patients, carers, parents, legal guardians and the general public. All resources are easily downloadable and printable by visiting our website.