This week, children at Greenmeadow Primary School were treated to a special visit from Bob the Badger, who helped teach them the essential skills of good tooth brushing as part of The Big Brush Club. The fun and educational event is part of a broader initiative where dental professionals bring supervised brushing sessions directly into classrooms. Participating schools receive free toothbrushes, toothpaste kits, and valuable tips for maintaining healthy oral hygiene habits.
The Big Brush Club is commissioned by the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and delivered by At Home Dental, a group of mobile dentists. These professionals provide hands-on, supervised tooth brushing sessions for Swindon’s youngest students. Teachers involved in the program receive full training and are supplied with toothbrushes and toothpaste to help establish regular brushing routines for children at school and at home. Alongside brushing education, the sessions also emphasize healthy eating and overall self-care.
The initiative is supported by Swindon Borough Council as part of its Build a Fairer Swindon strategy, which aims to reduce health inequalities and enhance children’s health and well-being. With tooth decay affecting a significant proportion of young children, particularly in deprived areas, this program addresses the urgent need for effective oral health education. In Swindon, tooth extractions among children aged five to nine are 50% higher than the regional and national averages, highlighting the severity of the issue.
The program has also been tailored to meet the needs of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), ensuring that all students, regardless of ability, benefit from the valuable oral health education provided. Central to the initiative is the message that prevention is more effective than treatment. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste is proven to significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Kate Mackinnon, Headteacher at Greenmeadow Primary School, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, noting, “Children learning to brush their teeth at school is a wonderful way for Year 1 students to develop their independence and take responsibility for their personal hygiene. It’s great to hear that the children are using their at-home dental care packs confidently and grasping the importance of maintaining clean teeth both at school and at home.”
Councillor Paul Dixon, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, praised the initiative, stating, “This scheme is a fantastic example of how small changes can make a significant impact. By teaching children the importance of daily brushing, we’re not only preventing tooth decay but also setting them up with lifelong habits that enhance their health, confidence, and overall quality of life. We are proud to see schools in Swindon embracing this program, which aligns with our commitment to improving children’s health and reducing inequalities.”
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