In-school brushing helps region’s most deprived stay on top of oral health

Supervised in-school toothbrushing sessions are helping some of the most deprived children living across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire to maintain a healthy mouth.

More than 1,000 different educational settings across the south west, including many based locally, have partnered with the Big Brush Club to teach children how to brush their teeth effectively as part of a lifelong daily mouth hygiene routine.

The initiative, which has been commissioned by the ICB, supported by the region’s three local authorities and delivered in schools by professionals from At Home Dental, aims to tackle deteriorating rates of oral health among disadvantaged young people.

Helping youngsters, especially those from more deprived backgrounds, to look after their teeth is a key priority for the local NHS, as local data suggests that disadvantaged children are around twice as likely to have an extraction – brought on by decay – than their peers in more affluent areas.

Dr Amanda Webb, Chief Medical Officer, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “Highlighting the need for regular and effective toothbrushing in young children is hugely important, as it helps to nurture and develop habits that support long-lasting oral health.

“The work of the Big Brush Club in our local schools is really making a difference to children at what is a pivotal moment in the journey from losing their baby teeth to developing a lifelong healthy smile.

“I know from speaking with families in my own practice just how upsetting it can be when children, especially those who are very young, need to have teeth removed. Any local interventions that can avoid such heartache are incredibly welcome.”

While there are many schools in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire that are involved with the Big Brush Club, four have been highlighted as exemplary.

Greenmeadow Primary in Swindon, Peasedown St John Primary in Bath, Marden Vale CE Academy in Calne and Bulford St Leonards Primary near Salisbury have all received model school status after showing excellence in the delivery of the in-school brushing programme.

One teacher from Greenmeadow Primary School said: “Learning to brush their teeth at school is a wonderful way for children in Year One to develop their independence and take responsibility for their personal hygiene.

“It is 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.”

Recently, popstar Professor Green has got behind the campaign by encouraging children to record their own version of the Big Brush Club theme tune.

The rapper said: “Helping children to get brushing right will result in fewer kids being admitted to hospital with avoidable tooth decay and better oral health for them in adulthood.”

Parents can find out more about how to keep their child’s mouth healthy by visiting www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums.

Big Brush Club