Milton Keynes City Council has run a pilot scheme to increase access to oral and dental care for local children, and have confirmed plans to expand the scheme in 2025.

The scheme will see the City Council distribute more than 7,000 free toothbrushes next year.

Funded by the City Council’s Public Health team, a pilot scheme run in Bletchley saw more than 500 free toothbrushes, along with paste and oral care tips, distributed to local families in need.

Nationally, tooth decay remains the main cause of hospital admission among children aged 5 to 9 whilst almost a quarter of five-year-olds have experienced tooth decay.

This year, The Saplings Family Centre has offered regular sessions where parents and carers can pop in to access the free supplies for children and get advice.  In parallel, the City Council has worked with two primary schools in Bletchley to provide lesson plans around brushing and oral hygiene.

The expanded scheme will see these sessions offered across other City Council Family Centres including a stock of specialist toothbrushes designed for children with additional needs.

Councillor Donna Fuller, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health & Communities, said, “We recognise that oral hygiene among young people is a national issue which is why we want to get more supplies and guidance out there in our local communities. Something that many of us take for granted is having our own toothbrush yet we know that isn’t the case for all families. This scheme will help to reduce local hospital admissions whilst improving access to these essential items.”

Councillor Joe Hearnshaw, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, added, “It’s great to see another example of local schools working with us in partnership to support young people. We look forward to expanding this scheme to reach more children including those who may have additional needs – a group we know can struggle more in this area.”