09-03-2025
Toothbrushing initiative to begin in bid to improve children's oral health
A supervised toothbrushing initiative is being launched to combat tooth decay among children.
The programme, aimed at children aged between three and five, will be rolled out in early years settings and primary schools across the North West of England, the government announced.
The initiative, which is part of the government's Plan for Change, will receive £2.4 million in funding to help children in the most deprived areas develop positive brushing habits.
The programme will be launched in collaboration with Colgate-Palmolive, who will provide free toothbrushes, toothpaste, and educational materials to support good oral hygiene at home.
The government said this is a 'crucial' step in addressing the children's oral health crisis, as tooth decay is the most common reason for hospital admissions among children aged five to nine.
Data reveals that 'more than one in four children aged five in the North West have experienced tooth decay'.
The programme aims to tackle these levels of poor health by ensuring children receive the support they need to learn positive habits and prevent tooth decay, thereby avoiding related illnesses and poor health later in life.
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said: "It is shocking that a third of five-year-olds in the most deprived areas have experience of tooth decay - something we know can have a lifelong impact on their health.
"It's why we're delivering supervised toothbrushing to young children and families who are most in need of support as part of our wider plans to revive the oral health of the nation."
The government has also agreed on a partnership with Colgate-Palmolive, which has committed to donating over 23 million toothbrushes and toothpastes over the next five years.
The resources will reach up to 600,000 children each year and provide families with the support they need to ensure positive behaviours continue at home and over the school holidays.
Colgate-Palmolive's chairman, president and CEO, Noel Wallace, said: "At Colgate-Palmolive, we believe every child deserves the chance to have a healthier smile and brighter future.
"We're thrilled that Colgate and our team in the UK have been chosen to partner with the government to help improve children's oral health across the country.
"In the UK, we've been running Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures™ since 2014 and are extremely proud to have reached over 18 million children across the nation with oral health education and donations of essential health and hygiene products."
The scheme will be rolled out in collaboration with the Department for Education and follows the latest measures to make government-funded childcare 'more affordable and accessible to the most disadvantaged families'.
Early years providers such as primary schools and nurseries are required to promote good oral health among attending children, and supervised toothbrushing is a way of achieving that aim.
Jason Wong, chief dental officer for England, said: "Tooth brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste remains one of the best defences against tooth decay and a long list of preventable oral health issues.
"This is why we're thrilled that the government is working with the NHS to expand access to pivotal supervised toothbrushing programmes in schools.
'Having strong healthy teeth can have a hugely positive impact on a child's life.
"If you're concerned about your child's oral health, you can find helpful guidance on the NHS website or through your local authority – and as a reminder to parents, all children have free dental care available through the NHS.'
The rollout is expected to save the NHS millions of pounds that would otherwise be spent on treating dental disease in children, including preventing hospital admissions that cost the NHS around £1,600 per person.
Anna Gardiner, deputy director of health & wellbeing at the National Children's Bureau, said: "Despite improvements over the past 20 years, too many young children in England start school with tooth decay.
"Poor oral health can have lasting impacts on their health, wellbeing, and attainment, and a significant risk factor is not getting into the habit of brushing teeth twice per day with fluoride toothpaste.
"So, we welcome the Government's plans to introduce a supervised brushing programme in early years settings, and we look forward to seeing its impact, particularly for those growing up in deprived areas who disproportionately suffer from poor oral health."
