Simplyhealth Professionals launches campaign as research reveals one in five children only brush once a day

Furthermore, almost a quarter (24.7 per cent) of five year olds have tooth decay, meaning that one in four children will start school with decay – as reported by Public Health England. 

The startling figures come as Simplyhealth Professionals launches its annual Big Family Brush-Up campaign, which runs from 24 June to 31 August 2019, to help families to brush together and equip parents with practical tips and tools to engage their children in establishing a proper brushing routine.

Catherine Rutland, head dental Officer at Simplyhealth, commented, “As the UK’s leading provider of dental payment plans, we want to help parents to establish good brushing habits at the earliest opportunity to help give children the best start in life, as well as providing easy and accessible information to support parents.”

Now in its fifth year, the Big Family Brush-Up challenges families to really focus on their brushing habits for a four-week period over the summer to ensure children are brushing thoroughly for two minutes, twice a day. To track and reward their progress, Simplyhealth Professionals are encouraging children to fill in a brushing chart every morning and night for four weeks, which they can download from the campaign microsite. At the end of the challenge, it’s hoped that families will have established a good oral health routine that they can continue into the future.