Swindon, Wiltshire, a town where children are three times more likely to require tooth extractions than the regional average, has launched a new initiative to improve oral health in local schools.
The Big Brush Club has introduced daily toothbrushing sessions for over 1,500 children across 19 schools in Swindon. Teachers oversee these sessions for children aged three to five, incorporating lessons on healthy lifestyles to promote good dental habits from an early age.
Kate Mackinnon, headteacher of Greenmeadow Primary School, emphasized that teaching basic skills like tooth brushing is an essential part of a teacher’s role. “It’s about working closely with families, supporting parents, and striving together to ensure the best outcomes for our children,” she said.
Recent data reveals that 1,045 children and young people per 100,000 in Swindon need tooth extractions, significantly higher than the 376 per 100,000 seen across the south-west of England.
Jermaine Badman, a mobile dentist and one of the professionals running the sessions, shared that her decision to join the initiative came after seeing children repeatedly admitted for invasive dental treatments. “Children are being put to sleep for these procedures, which can be terrifying, leading to long-term dental phobias. The majority of these issues are preventable with proper education,” Badman said. She previously worked at Swindon’s Great Western Hospital.
The Big Brush Club provides free toothbrushes and toothpaste to pupils, enabling them to maintain good oral hygiene both at school and at home. The initiative stresses that prevention, such as daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, is key to reducing the risk of tooth decay.
Funded by the NHS in collaboration with local authorities and delivered by At Home Dental, the scheme is already showing positive results. Councillor Paul Dixon, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for children’s social care, highlighted the success of the program, saying, “This initiative demonstrates how small changes can have a big impact on improving children’s health.”
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