Supervised toothbrushing programme for three- to five-year-olds in targeted early years settings

The programme aims to support with resources and training to make toothbrushing part of their daily routine, helping children stay healthy, happy and ready to learn.

For the first year of the programme (2025/2026), we would like to support targeted nurseries and pre-schools with children aged three to five years in Dartford, Gravesham, Swale and Thanet to set up supervised toothbrushing in their classrooms.

All resources (toothbrushes, toothpaste, racks, home brushing packs), training and ongoing support will be provided to settings, through KCC’s Supervised Toothbrushing Programme Team.

Tooth decay remains the most common oral health problem in children and young people living in Kent. In 2022, 60,000 school days were missed due to tooth extractions and one in five children aged three to five years in England experienced tooth decay.

Tooth decay can lead to pain, disrupted sleep, reduced self-esteem and missed time from nursery or school - as well as time off work for parents.

Kent’s local supervised toothbrushing programme helps to tackle this problem, especially in children who're at greatest risk.

Supervised Toothbrushing equips staff in early years settings to carry out daily supervised dry toothbrushing sessions from within the classroom. It encourages children to develop a brushing routine from an early age and supplements home brushing, not replaces it. Oral health is an important part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework and health and science education. Supervised Toothbrushing is a great way to promote good oral health.

Here is a look into a classroom participating in Barnsley’s Toothbrushing Club, one of many supervised toothbrushing programmes in the country.

Get in touch to see if you are eligible to be part of the programme.

For more information and to register your interest, please complete the form

If you have any questions, you can contact KCC's Supervised Toothbrushing Programme Team by emailing oralhealth@kent.gov.uk.