County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Oral Health Team is working in partnership with Darlington Borough Council to support a supervised toothbrushing programme in local schools and nurseries.
The initiative encourages children to brush their teeth daily with fluoride toothpaste under staff supervision, helping them establish positive dental habits from an early age.
Tooth decay continues to be a significant concern in Darlington, with one in four five-year-olds affected and tooth removal remaining one of the leading causes of hospital admissions for children.
By promoting regular toothbrushing and reinforcing good routines, the scheme aims to reduce inequalities and improve dental health outcomes across the borough.
Julie King, Oral Health Promotion Lead, explains more about the importance of the programme in the short video below.
The School Toothbrushing Programme forms part of a wider Oral Health Strategy, which seeks to extend support to more early years settings and ensure every child has the best start for a healthy smile.
Schools and nurseries interested in taking part can contact: public.