New toothbrushing scheme to help kids fight tooth decay

Tameside Council is launching a new scheme to help three- to five-year-olds get into good toothbrushing habits.

Trialling in schools and nurseries in Denton and Hyde, Super Smiles will see children have one supervised brushing session per day using fluoride toothpaste. 

Each child will receive a free dental pack that contains a toothbrush, toothpaste, and information about the importance of healthy teeth and gums and how to keep them free from decay. 

Cllr Eleanor Wills, Tameside Council Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing, said: “We know how important oral health is, especially in the early years of a child's development.  

“Tooth decay can have a significant impact on a child’s overall health, school attendance, and quality of life.  

“The Super Smiles scheme is about giving our youngest residents the best start in life by ensuring they develop healthy brushing habits that will stay with them for years to come.” 

Tooth decay is the most common disease affecting children in the UK, with a third of five-year-olds in Tameside being affected. According to Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, it leads to an average of three missed days of school or nursery per year.