New clubs for healthy teeth in Cranbrook

Cranbrook school children are helping to make Cranbrook a Healthy Town by joining new brushing clubs at Cranbrook Education Campus.

Brushing clubs are being welcomed by the school, to reduce tooth decay and raise awareness of dental hygiene among children. They are happening in reception classes at the school, lasting for 5 minutes on a daily basis.

Under supervision of an adult, children clean their teeth and actively learn how to have good oral hygiene and prevent decay. The bushing club is designed to supplement tooth brushing at home when the most important time to brush is just before bedtime.

The brushing clubs are led by eight members of the school staff, who were trained by Karen Burn, a Dental Care Professional from Well Connected -- a local charity that supports healthier communities. She explained what tooth decay is, how it starts, how it can be prevented and why fluoride is so important. 

Cranbrook Education Campus Early Years Leader, Julie Chivers, said:

“The children are bursting with enthusiasm for our new brushing clubs!

“At the end of the 5 minute session, they are delighted to share their lovely, bright smiles with each other, plus they take home a goody bag to practice their teeth cleaning skills with their parents at home.

“All of the children in my class have joined the brushing club, which has the support of parents.  Thanks to Karen and Well Connected, we have trained staff who follow a set process which is checked and ensures that hygiene and health standards are met, providing reassurance to parents.”

Councillor Andrew Moulding, East Devon District Council’s Deputy Leader and executive spokesman for strategic partnerships, said:

“It’s exciting to see the Cranbrook Healthy Town programme in action, with some really innovative ideas being implemented.  This one in particular is taking active steps to help improve oral hygiene in young people.

“Even one child suffering from dental decay is one too many. Not only will these fun brushing clubs improve the children’s oral health for years to come, they will also help us to see lots of healthy smiles in Cranbrook!”

DCH and East Devon District Council helped to set up the scheme in Cranbrook and the school has been given a supply of brush buses, toothbrushes, paste and cleaning boxes. The training and kits have been provided through Cranbrook Healthy Town which is funded by NHS England’s Healthy New Town programme.

Paul Marshall, Director of Community Engagement at DCH said

“We want to be an active partner in what’s trying to be achieved in Cranbrook around its Healthy New Town status. Whilst we’re building homes, part of what we know makes a great community is residents growing up healthy and happy – if we can bring services and partners to help make this happen then that’s fantastic.”

Cranbrook does not have its own dental surgery currently and it is hoped that the innovative ‘brushing club’ training at Cranbrook’s schools will support families and children to maintain good oral health.

Anyone who is not registered with a dentist and who needs dental treatment is encouraged to contact Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise for a free dental service, on 01392 346303.