Cedric gives a ‘snappy’ performance at Early Birds Nursery School, Walsall

As part of National Smile Month, Vikki Tolley, NHS Walsall’s Oral Health Promoter took Cedric the Crocodile to Early Birds Nursery School, Lichfield Road, Walsall Wood today, (2 June 2011) to teach children how to brush their teeth and how important it is to visit a dentist regularly.

Vikki Tolley has been visiting several nursery schools and children’s centres across the borough (aided by Cedric the Crocodile) since National Smile Month began on 15 May 2011. At Early Birds Nursery School, Vikki and Cedric brought National Smile Month to over 25 children with interactive brushing and a read aloud story about a visit to a Dentist, showing them that brushing teeth can be fun. Along with a talk about the importance of brushing your teeth properly, she gave out free colouring books and toothbrushes to take the message home to parents.

Sue Hunt, Early Birds Nursery School Manager said, “Here at Early Birds Nursery we introduce our children to cleaning their teeth as soon as they have visible teeth. I’m really pleased that Cedric and Vikki came to our nursery to encourage our children and their parents to visit the dentist regularly. All the children who took part thoroughly enjoyed themselves”.

Vikki Tolley, Oral Health Promoter, NHS Walsall said, “Cedric loves to show off his big teeth and let all the children help him to clean them properly. I’m grateful to all the nursery schools and children’s centres that have let me visit with Cedric as part of National Smile Month. It was nice to see the children having fun whilst learning how important it is to have good oral health”.

National Smile Month 2011 is taking place 15 May – 15 June 2011 and it’s theme this year is ‘Smile Factor”. For more information visit www.smilemonth.org.

For a list of local NHS Dentists visit click here. If you would like Vikki to visit your nursery or have a question about oral health please call Vikki Tolley on 01922 619963.

Pic from left to right:

Back row: Sue Hunt, Early Birds Nursery School Manager, Cedric the Crocodile, Vikki Tolley, NHS Walsall’s Oral Health Promoter

Front row: William Roadway aged 2, Lola Rhodes aged 2, Amelia Law aged 3.