More than two million free toothbrushes and toothpastes have been given to children in disadvantaged communities as part of local councils’ delivery of the national supervised toothbrushing programme.
The government-funded partnership, with toothpaste giant Colgate-Palmolive, bolsters local council public health initiatives aiming to reduce tooth decay in children and tackle health inequalities.
By 2030, more than 23 million toothbrushes and toothpastes will help to develop better child oral health.
Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor, Chair of the LGA’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, said: “Supporting children, particularly in the most deprived areas, to develop positive brushing habits and prevent tooth decay is vital for improving overall health outcomes, reducing health inequalities and easing pressure on other areas of the health and care system.
“We know that, right from a young age, good oral health can impact the speech, sleep, eating and overall health of a child. Councils have been working hard with local early years providers and schools to improve the oral health of children.”