Smile Squad brings free dental health checks to Sutton Family Hub

Article date: 19 November 2024

Delivered in collaboration with Liverpool University Dental School, Smile Squad offers families free dental health checks for young children. Dental students, under the supervision of experienced lecturers, will provide these free checks as part of a broader mission to improve early childhood oral health in the community.

Tooth decay is the most common reason for hospital admission in children aged six to ten, with children in poor communities more likely to have poor oral health resulting in tooth extractions than those in more affluent areas.

Bushing a baby's teeth as soon as they start to come through and helping children brush their teeth until you're sure they can do it well enough themselves (normally until they're at least seven) is important. Brush teeth twice daily for about two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and remember that NHS dental care for children is free.

The free, family-friendly Smile Squad event will also feature appearances by children's characters Crocosmile and Captain Tuck, alongside interactive sessions designed especially for pre-school-aged children and their families.

To support long-term healthy habits, the City Health Care Partnership will offer an educational demonstration on effective tooth brushing techniques. Families attending will also receive a take-home pack with toothpaste, a toothbrush, and essential information on oral hygiene.

Ruth du Plessis, St Helens Borough Council's Director of Public Health, said: "Smile Squad aims to be an accessible, educational, and fun opportunity for local families to take proactive steps toward improving their children's oral health. Join us in creating bright smiles and healthy habits for life."

The event takes place at Sutton Family Hub, Ellamsbridge Road, WA9 3PY on Tuesday 26 November, 10:30am - 2:30pm.

Following this initial event in Sutton, Smile Squad will return once each school term to the borough's other Family Hubs, expanding access to preventative dental care for local young children.

In addition to significant healthcare impacts, poor oral health in children results in an average of three missed school days each year and may also limit their academic performance and future potential. Furthermore, healthy teeth are essential for proper speech and social development, supporting a child's growth, learning and confidence.

Oral health challenges are particularly pressing in St Helens Borough. In 2021-22, over 31% of five-year-olds in the borough had visible signs of tooth decay, a figure notably higher than the national average of 23.7% and the North West average of 30.6%, underscoring the importance of programs like Smile Squad in fostering early habits of good oral hygiene.

For more tips on brushing teeth and dental health see:

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/taking-care-of-childrens-teeth/