Sheffield tooth brushing clubs praised by health experts

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An initiative, which was launched to tackle rising rates of childhood decay in Sheffield, has been praised by health experts.

Last year, NHS figures revealed that rates of decay among the city’s children were the highest in the UK, with 1,140 children undergoing tooth extraction in hospital in 2014/2015. In response to the data, dental initiatives, including tooth brushing clubs, were launched, and the initial feedback has been hugely positive.

The initiative, which involves brushing clubs in schools and nurseries across the city, currently boasts 26 participants, but it is hoped that more primary schools will join in the coming months. Children from participating schools and provided with toothbrushes and toothpaste and teachers, who have received training, are available to supervise brushing and help young children to clean their teeth properly. The scheme is overseen by the oral health promotion team at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Trust and the city council. There are currently plans to add 40 more schools to the list.

Director of public health at Sheffield City Council, Greg Fell, said that the percentage of children affected by decay is decreasing and the council and trusts are “cautiously optimistic.” Children enjoy being part of the scheme, and more and more parents are showing an interest in oral hygiene, which can only be a positive indicator for the future.

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