Together with Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation and Colgate, we’re shining a spotlight on the importance of building healthy habits that help prevent tooth decay and keep little smiles bright.
Unhealthy teeth is one of the lead causes for hospital admissions amongst children across the UK. Below, you’ll find our top tips for looking after children’s teeth; simple, everyday steps that can make a big difference.
Drink plain water or milk
Plain water and milk are the best everyday drinks for strong, healthy teeth.
Keep sugary drinks and foods to mealtimes only
Keeping sweet treats to mealtimes only helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and keeps little smiles healthier for longer.
Brush your teeth twice a day: before bed and at least one other time
Brushing before bed removes the day’s food and plaque, giving teeth vital protection overnight. The second daily brush helps keep teeth clean and reduces the build-up of harmful bacteria.
Spit out toothpaste after brushing, rather than rinsing
After brushing, encourage your child to spit out any extra toothpaste but not to rinse their mouth with water. This allows the fluoride in the toothpaste to stay on the teeth for longer, giving them the best possible protection.
Visit the dentist regularly
Regular dental check-ups help spot problems early and ensure your child’s teeth are developing as they should
Check out Alder Hey’s Guide to Looking after your Child’s Teeth
For more advice and support on how to care for your child’s teeth – Guide to Looking after your Child’s Teeth – Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Trust
Alder Hey Children’s Charity, Iceland Foods, Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation and Colgate have partnered to encourage young customers to brush their teeth by distributing free toothbrushes and toothpaste, helping tackle tooth decay in children.
Launching on National Tooth Fairy Day, Saturday 28th February, Iceland stores across the UK will give out 100 free teeth‑cleaning kits per store. Each kit includes two toothbrushes and a mini toothpaste, donated by the IFCF. Stores will also unveil a fun, child‑friendly interactive poster on one freezer in every store featuring a QR code that links to Alder Hey’s child‑focused advice on keeping a healthy, happy smile
We are proud to have a longstanding partnership with Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation, working together on campaigns with a focus on improving children’s health across the UK.
On the National Tooth Fairy Day partnership, Lord Richard Walker, Executive Chairman of Iceland Foods and Chairman of Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation said: “As a family retailer, we see first‑hand how important early‑years health and wellbeing are. That’s why we’re committed to helping tackle this growing crisis.
“By providing free teeth‑cleaning kits in our stores and sharing accessible oral‑health guidance through child‑friendly materials, we hope to empower families and create positive habits that last.”
Fiona Ashcroft, Chief Executive, at Alder Hey Children’s Charity added: “Tooth decay remains the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged 5–9, and the majority of these cases are entirely preventable.
“Increasing awareness and improving access to oral‑health support is essential. This partnership enables us to support parents and carers offering simple but powerful tools to protect children’s health and happiness.”
To celebrate National Tooth Fairy Day and encourage happier, healthier smiles, IFCF and Alder Hey Children’s Charity are inviting children across the UK to dress up in fairy wings and share their best photos holding their “toothbrush wands” using the hashtag #LetsGetBrushing.