The government has announced an expansive initiative to improve children's dental health across north-east England through water fluoridation and supervised toothbrushing programs. This decision follows a public consultation and aims to benefit approximately 600,000 children aged three to five each year. Set to launch in April, the program will focus on schools and nurseries in England's most deprived areas, where staff will oversee children's daily brushing routines.
Beginning in April, local authorities will receive £11 million in funding to identify the schools and nurseries that would benefit most from the program. The intention is to emulate the success of similar initiatives that have been running in Scotland since 2006 and Wales since 2009. Teachers and nursery staff will be tasked with demonstrating proper toothbrushing techniques to young children without directly brushing their teeth. Some children will make use of the 23 million toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste donated by Colgate.
The pressing need for this initiative is underscored by dental health statistics across England. Currently, one in four five-year-olds suffers from tooth decay, with the figure rising to one in three in poorer regions. This condition remains the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged five to nine. Stephen Kinnock expressed concerns over these findings.
"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," – Stephen Kinnock.
Kinnock also highlighted the significance of the government's efforts in addressing this issue.
"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." – Stephen Kinnock.
The economic implications of poor dental health also play a role in the initiative. The government estimates that for every £1 spent on the scheme, £3 in treatment costs will be saved, amounting to over £34 million in savings over the next five years. Eddie Crouch praised the policy's economic prudence.
"Supervised toothbrushing is tried and tested policy that will save children from pain and our NHS a fortune." – Eddie Crouch.
Crouch also noted the time taken to reach this point with a hint of critique.
"The only concern is why it's taken a century to get here." – Eddie Crouch.
Effective brushing habits can begin as soon as a child's teeth emerge. Using fluoride toothpaste is recommended, with a pea-sized amount being sufficient for children aged three to six. Parents are encouraged to engage their children by turning brushing into a game or brushing alongside them until they become confident around age seven.
Dr. Katie Dalrymple provided insight into the social aspect of brushing within nurseries.
"I think in nursery it is different, it is quite an event. They all do it together – it is quite social, they sing a song," – Dr Katie Dalrymple.
Despite the program's potential benefits, some express concerns about shifting parental responsibilities onto educational institutions. Paul Whiteman emphasized the importance of maintaining parental involvement.
"Most people would see toothbrushing as a basic part of parenting and we must be careful not to shift what is ultimately a parental responsibility on to the shoulders of schools." – Paul Whiteman.
