Oral Health

Oral health in schools 

National Child Measurement Programme: information for schools 2025 - GOV.UK

Oral health is also part of general health and wellbeing and contributes to the development of a healthy child as well as school readiness. Although improving, the oral health survey of 5 year olds in England in 2022 showed that almost a quarter (23.7%) have tooth decay when they start school. 

Children who are overweight and very overweight are more likely to have dental caries than those of healthy weight even when other potential influences such as deprivation are taken into account. This shows an association between children's BMI and the prevalence and severity of caries. 

For more on the evidence between dental caries and obesity in children, see the report Dental caries and obesity: their relationship in children. 

The Relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education guidance supports schools with teaching pupils how to make good decisions about their own health and wellbeing including the benefits of good oral hygiene and regular check-ups at the dentist.