Healthy Teeth

Tooth decay (also known as dental caries) is a very common disease affecting one-third of young people aged 12-15 years, increasing to nearly one-half in young people living in areas of poverty. Young people with tooth decay often suffer from toothache, loss of sleep and problems eating — which can impact on their overall physical health and mental wellbeing, as well as increasing school absences.

 

The PSHE Association award their Quality Mark to a new KS3 lesson pack — developed by academics at the University of Sheffield, University of Dundee and Cardiff University as part of the BRIGHT trial — which aims to develop students’ understanding and knowledge about the importance of tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste as a method to prevent dental caries.

 

Help students

• approach tooth brushing in a more positive way

• consider their own motivations for tooth brushing

• reflect on their barriers to tooth brushing

• complete an action plan to support sustainable good oral health