Survey finds young children in Gateshead not brushing teeth enough
The contents of the survey were today unveiled to Gateshead Council’s families overview and scrutiny committee
Last updated 27th Mar 2026
A survey on young people’s health around Gateshead suggests that some kids aren’t brushing their teeth enough.
Last year, schools took part in a ‘Health Related Behaviour Questionnaire’ to monitor young people’s health across Gateshead. The survey also covered dental hygiene, and found that as many as 24% of responding Year 4 and 6 pupils had either not brushed their teeth the day before the survey or brushed them just once.
The report did find an uptake in the frequency of brushing by Years 8 and 10 with 84% of kids saying they had brushed their teeth twice or more the day before the survey. The NHS recommends brushing twice a day, for two minutes, to keep your mouth and teeth healthy. It is also recommended people use fluoride tooth paste.
The contents of the survey were today unveiled to Gateshead Council’s families overview and scrutiny committee.
The report continued: “The oral health of many children is poor, 28% of five-year-olds in 2024 had decay, with levels of decay worse in our areas of higher deprivation. There was an increase in rates between 2022 and 2024 in hospital tooth extractions were dental caries cavities were the primary diagnosis.”
Though, as of 2025 the report states there has been a decrease in decay levels among the young.
Councillors were also informed that a series of measures and projects are in motion to help the oral health of kids and families. These include family tooth brushing kits being distributed by health visitors among the most deprived families.
In addition, baby boxes including oral health booster packs are currently being hand out. Children in care under the age of five are also now being provided with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and timers.