Halton’s new Supervised Toothbrushing Programme has already hit a milestone of 1,000 children taking part!

The programme teaches children aged two to seven how to brush their teeth properly with adult supervision, helping improve their oral health from an early age.

Funded by Halton Borough Council, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside and new funding from Government, the programme is delivered in early years settings and schools by Halton Borough Council’s Health Improvement Team. It is aligned with All Together Smiling, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s regional programme hosted by Beyond, the children and young people’s transformation programme.

The programme ensures children brush their teeth once a day with a fluoride toothpaste in a supervised setting – reinforcing the importance of good oral care and complementing routines at home.

The scheme helps children:

  • Learn proper brushing technique
  • Build consistency and routine to develop lifelong habits
  • Reduce risk of tooth decay
  • Gain confidence in self-care

Cllr Marie Wright and Cllr Tom McInerney visited Weston Point Pre-School in Runcorn to join the children during their daily supervised toothbrushing.

They are pictured with staff and children from the setting, alongside Dr Ifoma Onyia – Director of Public Health in Halton, Dr Fiona Watson – Public Health Consultant and Vicki Yarwood from Halton Public Health Team.

Dr Fiona Watson explained how working in partnership with parents and carers is the key: “We know parents are doing their best, but tooth decay is still a major problem for our children.  The evidence is clear – supervised brushing in early years settings is a cost-effective way to improve dental health outcomes. This isn’t about replacing what parents do – it’s about reinforcing it.”

Tooth decay remains the most common reason children aged 6 to 10 are admitted to hospital. Those living in economically disadvantaged communities are more affected, with many requiring tooth extractions as a result of untreated dental problems. The impact is more than just physical – dental issues can lead to children missing school, which disrupts their learning. In addition, poor oral health can hinder speech development, lower self-esteem, and negatively influence a child’s overall growth and wellbeing.

Children with decay in their baby teeth are more likely to develop decay in their adult teeth.

To help keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong, parents and carers are reminded to:

  • Start brushing as soon as a baby’s teeth come through
  • Help children brush until they are at least seven years old
  • Brush twice daily for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste
  • Regular dental check-ups from as soon as the first tooth arrives – find your nearest dentist here
  • Limit sugary snack snacks and drinks as part of a balanced diet

Staff at Weston Point Pre-School are finding the scheme to be beneficial and easy to implement. “The children are really enjoying toothbrushing, it is embedded within the pre-school routine and we are happy to be a part of something so important,” says Hannah Nield, Manager, Weston Point Pre-School.

Karen Blundell, the manager of another participating setting, All Saints Pre School, Runcorn, said: “The toothbrushing programme is successfully instilling crucial, lifelong oral hygiene skills in our children. Which in turn helps families establish consistent and positive toothbrushing routines at home. Some of our parents have shared that their children are now brushing their teeth at home, where they once were reluctant”.

Cllr Marie Wright, Executive Board Member for Health and Wellbeing at Halton Borough Council commented: “I was delighted to visit the children in Weston Point Pre-School to experience them brushing their teeth, the staff were explaining the importance of regular brushing, and the children were really enjoying the experience. It’s a really important message and a great initiative.”

To learn more about caring for your child’s teeth and the support available to you in Halton, visit Halton Family Hubs online