Watch the video here: www.healthysuffolk.org.uk/healthy-you/children-and-young-people/childrens-dental-health
Tooth decay remains one of the most common childhood diseases and a leading cause of hospital admissions among young children, yet it is almost entirely preventable. Establishing good brushing routines at home, with parents supporting children to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, is one of the most effective ways to protect their teeth. Alongside this, Suffolk is taking further steps through community engagement, early education and local partnerships to help with toothbrushing.
This includes the supervised toothbrushing programme, which helps children learn how to brush their teeth properly, safely and consistently. It’s proven to reduce tooth decay, particularly in areas where oral health inequalities are greatest. Since 2017, Suffolk County Council has been delivering daily brushing sessions using fluoride toothpaste, helping children develop strong oral hygiene habits that last a lifetime.
Local settings already taking part have seen encouraging results. Staff report that children enjoy brushing together, parents notice improved routines at home, and teachers find the programme easy to manage once it becomes part of the daily schedule.
Councillor Steve Wiles, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Protection, said:
“Building good oral health starts at home, with parents helping children to develop healthy brushing habits from an early age.
“Our supervised toothbrushing programme builds on this by giving every child the chance to learn and practise those skills at school, setting them up for a lifetime of good health. I would encourage all schools and early years settings to get involved.”
Faye Turner, Assistant Headteacher at Ranelagh Road Primary School said;
“We have taken part in the supervised toothbrushing for the past few years. We do this with our children from nursery through to Year 2. This has helped ensure children understand the importance of good oral health and this is now just part of their daily routine in school.
“We also share key messages with parents such as ideas for healthy snacks, the importance of fluoride and we encourage them to access a dentist. We feel that we are playing our part in the children developing good habits which will hopefully prevent tooth decay and the need for medical interventions.”
Support is available through training, resources, and practical guidance.
To find out more or register your interest in Keep Suffolk Smiling at childrenandfamilies@suffolk.gov.uk.
Since 1995, Public Health Suffolk has worked alongside partners to help families across the county look after their children’s teeth. Thirty years on, Keep Suffolk Smiling continues to grow, tackling health inequalities and supporting thousands of children to develop healthy smiles for life.
