Teeth brushing lessons at schools amid extraction rise

A town where children are three times more likely to undergo a tooth extraction compared to the regional average has launched new oral hygiene sessions in schools.

More than 1,500 children from 19 schools in Swindon, Wiltshire, have been taking part in The Big Brush Club.

This sees teachers supervise daily toothbrushing lessons for three to five year olds and run lessons on healthy lifestyles.

Kate Mackinnon, headteacher at Greenmeadow Primary School, said she believed it was part of a teacher's role to help pupils learn basic skills like teeth brushing.

She added: "The job of teachers is to work really closely with our families. This is us supporting our parents and working together to try and achieve the best for our children."

Data published this year, shows 1,045 children and young people per 100,000 of Swindon's population need extractions compared to just 376 in the rest of the south west of England.

Jermaine Badman, a mobile dentist who helps runs the sessions, said she joined the team after seeing children repeatedly admitted for "invasive dental treatments".

Ms Badman, who previously worked at Swindon's Great Western Hospital, added: "Children are being put to sleep for these treatments which is really scary for children and later they can develop dental phobias and things and it's all preventable.

"After seeing the amount of children, and it wasn't improving, I just thought I want to get out there and make a difference and provide this oral education."

Teachers are also provided with free toothbrushes and toothpaste to give to pupils.

Ms Mackinnon added the sessions have helped children keep their teeth clean both at school and at home.

A key message of the campaign is that prevention is better than cure, with daily tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste shown to reduce prevalence of tooth decay.

The Big Brush Club is funded by the NHS, in partnership with local authorities, and delivered by dentist provider, At Home Dental.

Councillor Paul Dixon, Swindon Borough Council's cabinet member for children's social care, said: "This scheme is a fantastic example of how small changes can make a big difference."

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