The Big Brush Club, a supervised toothbrushing initiative designed to tackle childhood tooth decay, has been operating in certain areas of Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay since 2023. Now, the program is set to expand to all primary schools in Devon with early years nursery, preschool, or reception class provisions. This initiative is funded by NHS Devon in collaboration with Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council, and Torbay Council, and is delivered by At Home Dental.
Jonathan Bouwer-Davies, Clinical Dental Adviser for NHS Devon, emphasized the significance of the initiative, noting that one in four five-year-olds suffer from tooth decay, with severe cases often requiring hospital treatment. He stressed, “Teaching children proper toothbrushing is a vital life skill. Just five minutes of brushing each day in schools can lead to lifelong benefits.”
Devon has become the first region in the South West to extend this program to all primary schools. The program aims to teach children the fundamentals of oral hygiene, self-care, healthy eating, and reducing sugar. Teachers will conduct brief, daily toothbrushing sessions for children aged 3-5, alongside lessons on general health.
Hayley Beaumont, Chief Operations Officer at At Home Dental, shared, “Our dental nurses collaborate closely with teachers, parents, and students to offer guidance and training on maintaining oral health.” She also highlighted that children receive a toothbrush and toothpaste kit to encourage consistent home brushing, with the added benefit of reducing school absenteeism.
The program has gained the support of rapper and health advocate Professor Green, who is helping raise awareness about the importance of dental hygiene for young children. To engage children, he has launched a competition across primary schools in the South West, featuring both a music and a coloring category. The competition, running until May, offers children the chance to win exciting prizes for themselves and their schools. Professor Green, who will join the judging panel, is passionate about teaching the importance of brushing teeth twice a day.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Professor Green explained that he only realized the impact of inadequate oral hygiene on his health later in life. Now, he prioritizes it with his own son, alongside a healthy diet.
Oral health is often linked to broader health and social issues, such as poor nutrition and obesity. Prof. Maggie Rae, South West Deputy Public Health Director at the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, praised the initiative, calling it a “fantastic example of forward-thinking.”
With the expanded roll-out of the Big Brush Club, Devon hopes to make a lasting impact on children’s oral health and well-being, ensuring they develop healthy habits for life.
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