Oral Health
Brushing is Fun
The Brushing is Fun programme is daily toothbrushing activity carried out by school staff in local nurseries attached to schools, Early Year Units and reception classes as a means of improving the oral health of young children.
The scheme's purpose
The aim of the scheme is two fold in that it introduces and establishes the need for a regular daily toothbrushing habit with children at a young age. The activity also delivers the benefit of fluoride from the toothpaste. This is particularly important as Kirklees does not benefit from water fluoridation. Consequently many young children at five years of age and under suffer from rampant tooth decay.
Resources
All the materials needed to carry out the activity are supplied by NHS Kirklees and there are no costs incurred to the schools' involved.
Outcomes
Initial evaluation of the scheme found that schools recognise the effect poor dental health can have on their pupils' attendance and performance. They also recognise their role as an agent of change in improving children's health.
The programme can be turned into an educational activity and a means of delivering the curriculum, e.g. as a conversation generator and also linking to aspects of the curriculum related to health.
The broader agenda of Every Child Matters also reinforces the value for those schools involved of partnership working with other external agencies, as in this instance with Kirklees NHS.
How to become involved
There is usually a short preliminary visit by the programme coordinator to school to outline the programme.
If you feel you would like more details please contact:
Arlene Bennett
Health Improvement Practitioner Specialist
07931 756938
01924 351433