Mobile dental provider, At Home Dental, has carried out supervised toothbrushing sessions in Swindon’s classrooms as part of ‘Big Brush Club’ – an initiative commissioned by NHS England. The teachers have also been trained and provided with supplies of free toothbrushes and toothpaste packs to promote daily brushing routines both at school and at home. The sessions also provide tips for healthy eating and self-care.
The scheme is supported by Swindon Borough Council as part of its mission to ‘Build a fairer Swindon’, which includes a commitment to reduce health inequalities by improving children’s health and wellbeing.
Kate Mackinnon, headteacher at Greenmeadow Primary School, said, “Children learning to brush their teeth at school is a wonderful way for year one to develop their independence and take responsibility for their personal hygiene.
“It’s great to hear from the children that they are using their at-home dental care packs confidently and understanding the importance of keeping their teeth clean both at school and at home.”
Tooth decay affects a quarter of young children, with those living in deprived areas disproportionately affected. Tooth extractions for children aged between five and nine in Swindon are 50 per cent higher than the Southwest and England averages. Swindon council said this highlights the urgent need for improved oral health education and prevention.
A key message of the campaign is that prevention is better than cure, with daily tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste shown to reduce prevalence of tooth decay.
Paul Dixon, Swindon council’s cabinet member for children’s social care, said, “This scheme is a fantastic example of how small changes can make a big difference.
“By teaching children the importance of daily brushing, we’re not only preventing tooth decay but also setting them up with lifelong habits that improve their health, confidence, and quality of life.
“We’re proud to see schools in Swindon embracing this initiative, which directly supports our commitment to improving children’s health and reducing inequalities.”
For more information visit https://bigbrushclub.co.uk