The Stop the Rot campaign encourages settings to sign up to three 'smile promises' - reduce sugar, cut out sweets and allow children to brush their teeth after every meal.
The campaign was devised by Lancashire dentist Graham Wilding. He said, 'Forty per cent of five-year-olds in the UK have tooth decay, but it can be prevented. As a father of two children I am determined that they will grow up with healthy teeth. I would like all children to have the same chance.
Nurseries are in a position to make a significant difference to the dental health of toddlers nationwide.'
The idea arose when Mr Wilding sent his son to Happy Days Nursery in Poulton-le-Fylde. He asked the nursery to avoid sugar, sweets and fizzy drinks and allow his son to clean his teeth after lunch.
Mr Wilding said, 'Happy Days were so helpful I asked if they would consider including the "smile promises" as part of their good practice.'
Happy Days operations manager, Sarah Catlin, was pleased to take part. She said, 'We wrote to all the parents to tell them about Stop the Rot and the reaction was very positive. Every child is encouraged to brush their teeth.'
Another ten settings have now joined the campaign. It can be contacted at www.stop-the-rot.co.uk.
