In-school brushing supports kids’ oral health

Supervised in-school toothbrushing sessions have been helping some of the most deprived children in BSW to maintain a healthy mouth.

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

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: ““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.

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.