07 MAR 2025

Children in the most deprived areas of England will get access to a supervised toothbrushing programme to help protect them from tooth decay, the government has announced today. This national programme is being rolled out for 3 to 5-year-olds in early years settings – including nurseries and primary schools – in the most deprived areas of England.

The supervised toothbrushing programme will be rolled out in early years settings and primary schools, with funding available from April. It hopes to help children aged between three and five years old to develop positive brushing habits.

Dr Nigel Carter, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation says: "We strongly welcome the introduction of supervised toothbrushing in nurseries and schools. With tooth decay being the leading cause of hospital admissions for young children, this initiative has the potential to prevent unnecessary pain, reduce health inequalities, and save the NHS millions.

“Supervised brushing is a proven, cost-effective intervention that ensures children develop positive oral health habits from an early age. However, this scheme must be part of a wider strategy to improve access to NHS dentistry, promote healthier diets, and support parents in caring for their children's oral health at home.

“We urge the Government to maintain momentum and continue investing in prevention so that every child – regardless of background – has the best start in life with a healthy smile."

The most common reason children aged five to nine are admitted to hospital is to have treatment for decayed teeth. Latest data shows one in four children aged five have experienced tooth decay in England, with higher rates of up to one in three in more deprived areas. 

Health Minister Stephen Kinnock says: “It is shocking that a third of five-year-olds in the most deprived areas have experience of tooth decay – something we know can have a lifelong impact on their health. 

 “It’s why we’re delivering supervised toothbrushing to young children and families who are most in need of support as part of our wider plans to revive the oral health of the nation.”

The scheme hopes it will be able to help the children avoid related illness and poor health later in life. The government plans to invest a total of £11 million in local authorities across England. They are to deliver supervised toothbrushing in schools and nurseries that voluntarily sign up. Local authorities are set to identify early years settings in target areas and encourage them to enrol.

The government has partnered with Colgate-Palmolive, which has donated over 23 million toothbrushes and toothpaste over the next five years. It is also providing educational materials and a public-facing children’s oral health campaign supporting the NHS, developed with its experience in global oral health education. The resources aim to reach up to 600,000 children each year and provide families with the support they need to ensure positive behaviours continue at home and over the school holidays.

 Jason Wong, Chief Dental Officer for England, says: “Tooth brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste remains one of the best defences against tooth decay and a long list of preventable oral health issues. This is why we’re thrilled that the government is working with the NHS to expand access to pivotal supervised toothbrushing programmes in schools.

 “Having strong healthy teeth can have a hugely positive impact on a child’s life. If you’re concerned about your child’s oral health, you can find helpful guidance on the NHS website or through your local authority – and  as a reminder to parents, all children have free dental care available through the NHS.”  

The rollout is expected to save the NHS millions of pounds that would otherwise be spent on treating dental disease in children, including preventing hospital admissions that cost the NHS around £1,600 per person. Every £1 spent on supervised toothbrushing is expected to save £3 in avoided treatment costs – amounting to over £34million over the next five years. 

Data published last week showed more than 49,000 young people under-19 were admitted to hospital for tooth extraction between in the financial year ending 2024.