Tooth decay is one of the most common yet preventable health issues affecting children in England today. Shockingly, 1 in 5 children aged 5 have already experienced tooth decay, with rates rising to 1 in 3 in the most deprived areas. To tackle this growing crisis, the government has announced a groundbreaking initiative: a supervised toothbrushing programme for 3 to 5-year-olds in early years settings, including nurseries and primary schools, across England’s most deprived areas.
This programme, set to reach up to 600,000 children annually, is part of the government’s wider Plan for Change to give every child the best start in life and prevent long-term health issues. Here’s what you need to know about this transformative initiative.
What is the Supervised Toothbrushing Programme?
The programme will provide supervised toothbrushing sessions in early years settings, helping young children develop positive oral hygiene habits. With £11 million in funding allocated to local authorities, schools and nurseries in target areas will be encouraged to voluntarily enrol in the scheme.
The initiative is designed to address the stark inequalities in children’s oral health. Tooth decay remains the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged 5 to 9, costing the NHS approximately £1,600 per admission. By focusing on prevention, the programme aims to reduce these numbers significantly, saving the NHS millions of pounds in avoidable treatments.
A Groundbreaking Partnership with Colgate
To support the programme, the government has partnered with Colgate-Palmolive, a global leader in oral health. Over the next five years, Colgate will donate more than 23 million toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste, alongside educational materials to help families continue good oral hygiene practices at home.
This partnership builds on Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® initiative, which has reached over 1.8 billion children worldwide since 1991. In the UK alone, the programme has already provided oral health education and products to more than 18 million children.
Why is This Programme So Important?
Tooth decay is not just a dental issue—it can have far-reaching consequences for a child’s overall health, development, and wellbeing. Poor oral health can lead to pain, disrupted sleep, difficulty eating, and even challenges in speech development. For children in deprived areas, these issues are often compounded by limited access to dental care and education.
The supervised toothbrushing programme is a proven, cost-effective intervention. Every £1 spent on the scheme is expected to save £3 in avoided treatment costs, amounting to an estimated £34 million in savings over five years. Beyond the financial benefits, the programme will help reduce health inequalities and ensure that all children, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to grow up with healthy smiles.
Expanding Access to Fluoride
In addition to the toothbrushing programme, the government has confirmed plans to expand community water fluoridation in the north east of England. Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, has been shown to significantly reduce tooth decay when added to public water supplies. This expansion is expected to benefit an additional 1.6 million people, further reducing the prevalence of dental issues in children.
What Do Experts Say?
The programme has been widely welcomed by health professionals, educators, and advocacy groups:
- Jason Wong, Chief Dental Officer for England: “Toothbrushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste is one of the best defences against tooth decay. This programme will have a hugely positive impact on children’s lives.”
- Dr. Urshla Devalia, British Society of Paediatric Dentistry: “This is the decisive action we’ve been pushing for. Prevention is key to addressing the oral health crisis.”
- June O’Sullivan OBE, CEO of London Early Years Foundation: “Scaling this programme nationally will give hundreds of thousands of children the best start in life.”
How Can Families Get Involved?
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in reinforcing good oral hygiene habits at home. The NHS provides free dental care for children, and families are encouraged to take advantage of these services. For tips on caring for your child’s teeth, visit the NHS website or contact your local authority for guidance. Also, see our blog The Importance of Oral Hygiene in Early years. For oral hygiene guidance.
A Step Toward a Healthier Future
The supervised toothbrushing programme is more than just a dental initiative—it’s a commitment to improving children’s health, wellbeing, and future prospects. By addressing the root causes of tooth decay and providing essential resources to those who need them most, the government and its partners are paving the way for a brighter, healthier future for all children.
This programme is a reminder that small, consistent actions—like brushing teeth twice a day—can have a profound impact on a child’s life. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to smile with confidence and thrive.