The launch of a toothbrushing programme in local early years settings and primary schools is to be celebrated with a special Family Hub event in June.
Sponsored by NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, the programme is delivered in schools by the St Helens Wellbeing Service (commissioned by the council) in partnership with Alder Hey’s All Together Smiling team. It teaches children how to brush their teeth properly with adult support, helping improve their oral health from an early age.
The launch event coincides with National Smile Month (12 May – 12 June) and will bring together council and healthcare partners, the NHS Trust’s Brush Bus, and local children’s health mascots Captain Tuck and Crocosmile.
Also attending is the popular Smile Squad from Liverpool University Dental School, offering free dental health checks for young children. These checks will be carried out by dental students under the supervision of experienced dental professionals, and are part of a wider mission to improve early oral health in the community.
Improving dental hygiene among children in St Helens is particularly important, as more than a third of the borough’s 5-year-olds had visual tooth decay in 2024. This is notably higher than England and North West averages of 22.4 and 28.7 per cent – underscoring the importance of these children’s oral health programmes.
Tooth decay is the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged 6 to 10. Children in less affluent areas are more likely to experience poor oral health, often resulting in tooth extractions. It also impacts their education, with children missing an average of three school days per year due to dental issues. Poor oral health can also affect speech, self-confidence, and overall development.
Parents and carers are reminded to:
-
Start brushing as soon as a baby’s teeth come through.
-
Help children brush until they are at least seven years old.
-
Brush twice daily for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste.
-
And remember, NHS dental care for children is free.
Councillor Andy Bowden added: “While we’ve already been delivering supervised brushing sessions in early years settings for a little while with great feedback from staff and children, we’re excited to officially launch the programme with this event at Central Link Family Hub alongside our regional health partners.
The impact of poor oral hygiene among children isn’t just physical – it can affect their confidence, learning, and development well into adult life. That’s why improving dental health at this early stage is significant public health priority for us.”
Find out more about the supervised toothbrushing programme and children’s oral health generally at Central Link Family Hub on 4 June, 10am-2pm. The event will also feature interactive sessions for young children and their families, and goody bags with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and helpful oral health advice.
