Over 15,000 children in Sefton are now participating in a supervised daily toothbrushing scheme as local health officials move to combat dental decay rates that exceed the national average. The All Together Smiling programme has expanded its reach into more than 300 early years settings, childminders, and primary schools across the borough and the wider region.
The practical picture
- Participants: Over 15,200 children across Cheshire and Merseyside.
- Locations: 300+ nurseries, schools, and childminding settings.
- Resources: Distribution of thousands of oral health packs containing fluoride toothpaste and brushes.
- Method: Daily supervised brushing sessions and staff training on dental hygiene.
Supervised oral care in 300 local settings
Sefton Council and regional health partners have prioritised the All Together Smiling programme to ensure that children develop healthy habits from a young age. By integrating toothbrushing into the daily routine of educational settings, the initiative reaches children who may not have consistent access to dental supplies at home.
To support this, thousands of oral health packs have been distributed to families. Each pack contains a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and easy-to-read guidance. This direct provision addresses the cost barriers that can prevent regular dental care, ensuring every child has the tools needed for daily hygiene. Staff at participating nurseries have reported that the programme is particularly vital in areas with higher levels of socio-economic deprivation, where health inequalities are most pronounced.
| Metric | Regional Data (Cheshire & Merseyside) |
|---|---|
| Children Participating | 15,200+ |
| Active Settings | 300+ |
| 5-Year-Olds with Decay | 3 in 10 |
| Primary Hospital Admission Cause | Tooth Decay (Ages 5-9) |
Regional dental health statistics
The expansion comes in response to data showing that dental health in the region lags behind national benchmarks. Approximately 30% of five-year-olds in Cheshire and Merseyside suffer from tooth decay, a figure notably higher than the England average.
Health officials have identified tooth decay as the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged five to nine. For many children in Sefton, particularly those in more deprived wards, the severity of decay often requires surgical tooth extraction under general anaesthesia. Beyond the physical pain, poor oral health is linked to disrupted sleep, impaired speech development, and a loss of confidence that can affect a child’s performance and attendance at school.
Professional guidance for staff and parents
A core component of the programme involves training educators to supervise brushing effectively. This includes instruction on the correct volume of toothpaste for different age groups and the importance of safe toothbrush storage to prevent cross-contamination.
One specific clinical recommendation being shared with families is the “spit, don’t rinse” technique. Rinsing with water immediately after brushing washes away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining toothpaste, reducing its protective benefits. By simply spitting out the excess paste, the fluoride remains on the teeth for longer, strengthening the enamel against acid attacks.
The programme also provides tailored tools for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) settings. These resources are designed to help children who may have sensory sensitivities or physical difficulties that make traditional brushing challenging.
Eligible settings in Sefton that are not yet part of the initiative are being encouraged to join. Information regarding participation can be requested via email at alltogethersmiling@alderhey.nhs.uk to help ensure more local children grow up with healthy smiles.
Source: Sefton Council
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