Dental role play brings big smiles at Cothrom Òg!

The NHS Western Isles Childsmile team in Uist and Barra was delighted to visit Cothrom Òg to take part in the Nursery’s Health and Wellbeing Week in April.

Morag Mackinnon, Dental Therapist, attended this fun and educational promotional event where she was thrilled to be able to spend the morning providing a focus on children’s dental health.

Morag helped children to make healthy food and drink choices, encouraging sugar-free options. Supporting Cothrom Òg’s focus on healthy toothbrushing routines, Morag also showed the children how to brush their teeth properly and explained why it is so important.

As part of their Health and Wellbeing Week, the children had great fun taking part in dental role play! Dressing up as dentists and dental nurses allowed them to explore what it is like to care for teeth in a playful and imaginative way.

Learning through play highlighted which food and drinks are safe options for teeth. The children played with such enthusiasm and were fully engaged with a variety of interactive games. One of the highlights was brushing the dragon’s teeth – which they loved – before practising on their own.

This kind of hands-on learning allows the children feel more comfortable with dental care and builds their confidence in looking after their own teeth. It is also a fantastic way to reinforce the importance of healthy habits — all while having fun!

Morag said: “It was fantastic to see the Cothrom Òg staff providing healthy snack choices for the children, both nurseries and families play a vital role in promoting good oral health from an early age. Learning these habits young helps set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

“A big thank you to Cothrom Òg for giving the Childsmile Team this opportunity to make dental health such a positive and fun experience!”

Ceiteag MacDonald, Cothrom Òg Manager, said: “Morag visiting the nursery gave the children a fantastic learning opportunity. It helps the children to see teeth brushing and dental visits as positive experiences and helps them greatly to understand how to brush their teeth well. A great way to establish lifelong good habits!”