Tooth brushing clubs start at schools

Research has shown children in special support schools, have slightly lower rates of tooth decay than children in mainstream schools. However, they are also more likely to have these teeth extracted.

Now Sheffield City Council, working with Public Health England and the NHS, are taking steps to improve oral health at these schools.

Devina Worsley, a registrar in dental public health who carried out a council review said: “The risk factors for tooth decay are diets high in sugary food and drinks and lack of exposure to fluoride.

The majority of tooth decay can be prevented and this can be supported through school based oral health promotion activities, for example, through providing a supportive school environment with healthy choices for food, drinks and snacks. Other ways to prevent tooth decay include integrating oral health education into the school curriculum and school tooth brushing clubs using fluoride toothpaste.”

The council is also including all children in special schools in the School Starters Scheme, in which children are each provided with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. And it is promoting attendance at the dentist at least twice a year for children attending special support schools.

Coun Jackie Drayton, the council’s cabinet member for Children, Young People and Families added: “There is no doubt that getting all children into a good tooth brushing routine can prevent decay and ultimately save teeth. That’s why it’s great that by working together the council, health services and special schools are introducing these excellent preventative measures.”