Release date: 17 March 2025
West Sussex County Council is celebrating World Oral Health Day on Friday, 20 March 2026.
Tooth decay is the most common oral disease affecting children and young people in England, yet it is largely preventable.
“World Oral Health Day highlights that good oral health habits established early in life can help prevent tooth decay and support children’s overall wellbeing,” said Councillor Bob Lanzer, the council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing.
“Tooth decay continues to remain the most common reason for hospital admissions in children aged between 5 and 9 years in England. Simple steps make a big difference. By brushing twice a day and limiting sugary snacks and drinks, parents and carers can reduce the risk of tooth decay.
“The whole family can use the same fluoride toothpaste, it’s just the amount you use that changes. Children under 3 should use a smear of toothpaste, whilst children aged 3-6 should use a pea size.
“Our commitment to improve oral health in West Sussex is part of our Council Plan priority of helping people and communities to fulfil their potential.”
To help shape future children’s oral health promotion and prevention services and support, we’d like to hear from families with children aged 5 and under. You can take part in the children’s oral health survey here. Participants can enter a free prize draw for the chance to win one of 5 One4All vouchers each worth £20.
Top tips
- Make brushing twice a day part of the daily routine.
- Encourage children to spit out toothpaste rather than rinsing, so the fluoride can protect their teeth.
- Replace toothbrushes every three months or sooner.
- Avoid letting children lick or eat toothpaste directly from the tube.
- For babies and toddlers up to three years use a smear of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) containing fluoride.
- For children aged 3 to 6 years, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing fluoride.
Food and drink for healthy teeth
- Keep sugary food and drinks to mealtimes. Frequent snacking on sugary treats can lead to tooth decay.
- Fizzy or sugary drinks can harm teeth. Water or unflavoured milk are healthier choices.
- Move away from bottles by one year: An open or free-flow cup (without a valve) helps protect developing teeth.
- Avoid adding sugar to food or drinks for babies and toddlers.
The county council is handing out ‘Little Teeth, Big Smiles’ Oral Health gift packs to families with children aged 0-5 years via Rhyme time and Toddler time sessions in all West Sussex libraries until Friday 27 March or until stocks last and they are also available in all family hubs across the county whilst stocks last. The packs include toothpaste, toothbrushes and an educational children’s rhyming book about visiting the dentist which is also available to loan from libraries.
To find out more about children’s oral health and support in West Sussex, visit our children’s oral health campaigns page.
