Supervised Toothbrushing

The oral health of children in Doncaster is worse than the national average. 37.2% of 5 year olds in Doncaster have experience of tooth decay, compared with the national average of 23.4%, with each child having around 4 teeth affected (PHE, 2019). The Children's Public Health team have been supporting settings to set up Toothbrushing clubs since 2016. We have brushing clubs established in both Early Years and Primary school settings.

Why carry out supervised toothbrushing?

Reviews of multiple research studies show that the daily application of fluoride toothpaste to teeth reduces the incidence and severity of tooth decay in children. However, some children particularly in more deprived areas are less likely to brush their teeth twice a day. Targeting childhood settings such as nursery and primary school settings can provide a suitable supportive environment for children to take part in a supervised toothbrushing programme. Brushing clubs encourage children to establish a brushing routine from an early age, whilst also supporting home brushing.

Top Tips for brushing teeth

To maximise caries prevention children should brush their teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride. It's important to use a toothpaste which contains the recommended amount. Check your toothpaste tubes, a fluoride content between1350 and 1500 part per million ppmF is recommended. Children under 3 should use a smear of toothpaste, and children over 3 should use a pea size amount. Ensure children spit, and don't rinse their mouth out after brushing, this ensures the paste stays on the teeth. This is really important at bedtime. Children under the age of 7 should be supervised by an adult when brushing their teeth. This will ensure teeth are being brushed properly. Brushing should start as soon as teeth erupt, this is usually around 6 months of age. It's important to ensure that children have regular dentist check ups. If you need help to find a dentist check the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist. Both your Health Visitor and School Nurse can offer oral health advice.

We are now able to restart our supervised toothbrushing clubs. They had been temporarily paused due to Covid-19 restrictions.

If you would like to restart, or set up a toothbrushing club, please contact PHEnquiries@doncaster.gov.uk

Please note training must be completed before restarting or setting up a club.

This page contains information and resources you need to carry out supervised tooth brushing with children in your settings. This also includes the Supervised toothbrushing ‘toolkit’. If you have completed your training please share the documents on this page with colleagues in your setting.

Toothbrushing clubs in Doncaster are currently funded by Public Health. The training provided is also free, and completed virtually. Any enquiries please contact publichealthenquiries@doncaster.gov.uk

Useful websites to support your toothbrushing clubs

Top Tips for Teeth

https://campaignresources.phe.gov.uk/resources/campaigns/69-top-tips-for-teeth

Brush DJ

https://www.brushdj.com/

Healthy Learning Healthy Lives

https://www.healthylearningdoncaster.co.uk/

British Society of Paediatric Dentistry

https://www.bspd.co.uk/kidsvids