Children get free toothbrushes in oral-health drive

Families are being invited to get free toothbrushes and toothpaste in Wolverhampton in a drive to improve oral hygiene, especially among children.

They can be picked up from Central, Wednesfield and Warstones libraries and elsewhere, the city council said, which has worked to make them available to families, particularly those "struggling with the rising cost of living".

An online service to help promote good oral health has also been developed through the authority and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.

Tooth decay is the most common oral disease affecting children and young people in England, yet "it is largely preventable", the council says.

Jasbir Jaspal, cabinet member for adults and wellbeing, said poor oral health often "leads to missed days of school" because of resulting pain and infection.

She added it "affects children's ability to eat, smile and socialise, negatively impacting their confidence and wellbeing".

The problem also increases demand on emergency dental care, with almost 90% of hospital tooth extractions among children aged up to five, because of preventable tooth decay, Jaspal said.

"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."

As well as those libraries, free toothbrushes and toothpaste are available from Graiseley families hub, Pool Street, Blakenhall, WV Active Bilston-Bert Williams, WV Active Central and WV Active Aldersley.

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