77479-25CHILDREN at an Abbey Meads nursery know exactly how to look after their teeth after a visit from the professionals.

As part of National Smile Week, members of the oral health promotion team from Wiltshire community dental service visited the Leapfrog nursery in Elstree Way with advice on how the children can keep their toothy grins.

Lorraine Gourlay, catering manager at the nursery, said: "It was excellent. The children responded very well and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

"They brought in story cards about a princess and her tooth which fell out, and where it went and what happened to it.

"There was a happy basket and a sad basket and the children had to choose different foods and decide if they were happy or sad food and put them in the correct basket."

The experts also brought in a giant jaw and toothbrush and demonstrated the right way to brush teeth.

Mrs Gourlay said: "The children were taught they should only use a pea or baked bean sized amount of toothpaste.

"So the adults learned something as well."

The children were also taught why teeth drop out and the dangers of fizzy drinks.

Mrs Gourlay said: "It was very educational for the children and showed them not to be afraid of a visit to the dentist.

"They were shown why the dentist wears goggles and other equipment and why the patients wears goggles and bibs."

More photographs appear in today's Evening Advertiser

David Andrew