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The initiative aims to combat childhood tooth decay and ease pressure on NHS dental services by targeting children in deprived areas.

Schoolchildren in England are to get lessons in brushing their teeth as the country grapples with a dental health crisis
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Tooth decay is also the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged five to nine (Photo: Getty Images)

Overview

  • The government has allocated £11 million to a supervised toothbrushing program for children aged three to five in England, focusing on the most deprived areas.
  • Official data reveals that up to six in ten children in some regions experience tooth decay by the age of five, highlighting a nationwide dental health crisis.
  • The program is expected to reach 600,000 children and includes the distribution of 23 million free toothbrushes and toothpastes annually.
  • Education leaders have raised concerns about shifting parental responsibilities to schools, emphasizing the need for broader support for families.
  • The initiative is part of broader efforts to address the UK's dental care crisis, with NHS dentistry facing significant shortages and rising demand.