Schools and nurseries in Norfolk are bringing tooth-brushing into the classroom, amid a warning that more children are having teeth removed.
Dentists say a growing number of children are having teeth extracted, with a 20pc increase in the operations nationally over the last four years.
And in Norfolk, 25pc of children aged under five have tooth decay - figures dentists have said are 'deeply disturbing'.
And while parents are being targeted in awareness raising campaigns, dental hygiene is also making its way into nurseries and schools, with teachers taking on the tooth fight.
At Alderman Swindell Primary, in Great Yarmouth, youngsters are taught a key message - if you want to keep your teeth, look after them.
Headteacher Alison Hopley said: 'The whole school ethos is that we are keeping our teeth until we are 100 and, if we want to do that, we must look after them. We know our enemy - sugar.'
The school has worked closely with Mandy Loades, from the James Paget University Hospital's community dental service, for more than 16 years.
She comes into school to talk to children about cleaning their teeth properly and its importance.
Mrs Hopley said: 'What we found is that if your teeth are in poor condition it affects your speech and language.
MORE: Norwich dentist warns of 'deeply disturbing' rise in removal of children's teeth
'Good dental health is a good asset for overall learning.'
She said they only have milk or water in between meals, and had recently adjusted their breakfast club to include a small amount of cheese at the end.
As children don't get time to brush their teeth after the club, cheese can neutralise acidic meals and limit tooth damage.
Many nurseries and preschools in Norfolk are registered with the national Stop the Rot campaign, which aims to help parents keep children's teeth healthy.
Among them is Cringleford Crackerjacks preschool, which supports both parents and children with tooth-brushing.
Manager Karen Latoy said: 'A lot of families are really good and the parents are really switched on with it, but there are some that we do help, and we do see some children with rotten teeth, sometimes struggling to eat their snacks.'
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