1 in 5 South West children has tooth decay
The Big Brush Club is visiting schools to give dental hygiene lessons
There's a push to boost toothbrushing habits for young children in Dorset amid a national epidemic of tooth decay.
1 in five children in the South West has tooth decay according to Government stats.
To address this, a dental hygiene initiative called the Big Brush Club is visiting schools across the county.
Justin Marney, from At Home Dental, providers of the Big Brush Club, told us some children don't even have a toothbrush at home.
He said the level of decay dentists are seeing in young children's teeth has many ramifications.
"We're not only talking about the worst examples of a child having to go to hospital to have his or her teeth out, but also the he lost school days because of toothache, of having to go to a dentist, of having to try and find the dentist," he said.
The Big Brush Club aims to teach children the 'life skill' of brushing teeth twice a day. The initiative visits schools, teaching the teachers and providing free toothbrushes and toothpaste so children are able to brush their teeth at home.
Justin said: "When children understand the importance and doing it every day, they go home and they brush their teeth twice a day as well. So for the future generations, this is going to be amazing to learn these life skills from day one."
The initiative has been backed by musician, Professor Green.
Justin said: "He's so keen and he wants to reduce the inequalities across our communities."
Professor Green added: "Getting this right for children will result in fewer kids being admitted to hospital with avoidable tooth decay and better oral health for them in adulthood."
Reena Patel, South West Consultant in Dental Public Health at NHS England, said: “Oral health is an integral part of children’s overall health and wellbeing, which affects their ability to learn, thrive and develop.
“Yet in the South West we still have very high rates of tooth decay, causing children pain, infections and difficulties with eating, sleeping, smiling and socialising, which can lead to significant school absence and parents taking time off work.
“The Big Brush Club is about supporting children and parents at an early stage to reduce sugar intake and create good habits at home that can last a lifetime.”