Children to get free toothbrushes in Wolverhampton
It's part of a drive to help improve their children's oral hygiene
Families in Wolverhampton are being invited to pick up free toothbrushes and toothpaste from locations around the city.
They are being provided as part of a drive by the City of Wolverhampton Council and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust to improve oral hygiene, particularly among children.
It’s been made possible by funding from the government’s Household Support Fund.
Free toothbrushes and toothpaste are available from Graiseley Strengthening Families Hub, Pool Street, Blakenhall, from WV Active Bilston-Bert Williams, WV Active Central and WV Active Aldersley, and from Central, Wednesfield and Warstones libraries.
The council and the NHS have also teamed up to develop an online toolkit to help promote good oral health.
"affects children’s ability to eat, smile and socialise"
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing said: “Tooth decay is the most common oral disease affecting children and young people in England, yet it is largely preventable.
“Poor oral health impacts on school readiness and leads to missed days of school due to pain and infection. It affects children’s ability to eat, smile and socialise, negatively impacting their confidence and wellbeing, and it also increases demand on emergency dental care, with almost 90% of hospital tooth extractions among children aged up to five due to preventable tooth decay.
"We want to give every child the healthy smile they deserve and are delighted to be working with the NHS to make free toothbrushes and toothpaste available to families across the city, particularly those who are struggling with the rising cost of living.”