BBC helps us fight tooth decay and champion supervised teeth brushing for school children

School children across Kent are helping fight tooth decay, thanks to an initiative set up by our Oral Health Team and Kent County Council – and we are thrilled the BBC has made a short film about it, which you can watch on BBC iPlayer.

Shocking national statistics show that tooth decay is the top reason for children being admitted to hospital, with a quarter of five-year-olds already showing signs of the preventable condition.

Primary schools from Thanet, Gravesham, Dartford and Swale took part in a supervised teeth brushing pilot scheme last year, with many continuing regular after-lunch brushing this year.

We teamed-up with BBC South East Today to showcase a session at The Oaks Infant School in Sittingbourne, and encourage schools across the county to sign-up to be oral health champions.

BBC South East Health Correspondent, Mark Norman talked to KCHFT Advanced Oral Health Practitioner Joanne Downs about why supervised teeth brushing for young children is so important and what impact the Kent County Council-funded programme has had.

Pictured from left to right: KCHFT Dental Nurse Rebecca Railton, Advanced Oral Health Practitioner Joanne Downs and BBC South East Health Correspondent, Mark Norman, join children from The Oaks Infant School at a regular teeth brushing session.

Joanne said: “Working with parents, teachers, and of course children, at schools like The Oaks, is a great way to encourage healthy dental habits from an early age.

“By brushing together at home and school, the children are learning skills and routines that will hopefully last a lifetime. We are thrilled that supervised brushing is part of The Oaks reception year classes’ daily timetable.

“After brushing at school, as well as at home, for a full academic year, the children’s plaque was significantly reduced. The super-supportive parents told us their little ones even share top teeth tips with their families!”

Find out how to keep your family’s teeth clean and healthy: www.kentcht.nhs.uk/service/oral-health-promotion-resources/

Check our health education, advice, information and training resources and find out how to become an oral health champion: https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/service/dental-services/oral-health-promotion/