A Fife dental nurse has published a book to help nursery children keep their teeth squeaky clean.
Written by Tracy Pirie, Harry’s Teeth tells the story of a young boy who’s learning about oral hygiene.
The book will be used in nurseries by teachers, and during visits from dental health support workers in Fife.
Senior Childsmile nurse Tracy Pirie said: “We were previously buying books but we realised they didn’t actually have all the key messages in it.
“So, the dental health supports were just adapting the story so it would incorporate all the key messages we were trying to deliver. So that’s when I kind of came up with the idea having listened to them.
“And I thought, well we can’t actually buy a book that actually has all these key messages in it so why don’t I just have a go in writing my own book. So that’s what I did.”
Across Scotland, children as young as two are taught how to clean their teeth as part of The Childsmile Toothbrushing Programme.
Funded by the Scottish Government, it ensures each child receives their own dental pack.
The teacher will then help them with brushing in the classroom.
Nursery teacher Elsie Hellicar said: “When the children come in when they first register, they’re given their own toothbrush. It’s got their colour and it’s got picture on it.
“It’s part of their routine and they just go straight for it. It’s all independent, so a lot of the time we don’t have to do anything apart from be a supportive figure.”
Tracy added: “The key oral health messages that we have anyway are basically to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste.
“You’ve to keep your sugary snacks to meal times and visit the dentist. So that’s the key messages we had to drop in.
“Other things like spit, don’t rinse. As soon as you start looking after your baby teeth, it’s all about learning habits, having good habits, carrying that onto to adulthood.”
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