Barnsley schools to run tooth-brushing clubs to fight decay

Barnsley Council said children must form a good tooth-brushing routine from an early age

Schools in Barnsley are to run tooth-brushing clubs in a bid to reduce levels of tooth decay among children.

Nearly 30% of five-year-olds in the borough have tooth decay, Barnsley Council said.

Clubs are to launch in schools, family hubs and other childcare settings to encourage a good brushing routine from an early age.

Parents must give consent for their children to attend, while staff will be given training and equipment.

Yorkshire and the Humber have some of the highest decay-related extraction rates in the country, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

Councillor Wendy Cain, of Barnsley Council's public health and communities department, said decay was "preventable" and the clubs, plus brushing at home, would encourage good oral hygiene.

"A healthy mouth and smile means we can eat, speak and socialise without pain and discomfort," she said.

"However, almost 30% of five-year-olds in Barnsley have tooth decay.

"Poor oral health can lead to pain and infection, resulting in sleepless nights, difficulty eating and time off nursery or school."

Health bosses have reported a 17% increase in decay-related tooth extractions in hospital nationally for under-19s, the LDRS said.

Yorkshire and the Humber has some of the highest extraction rates in the country because of tooth decay, with 405 per 100,000 population of under-19s needing extractions because of decay, compared with 236 per 100,000 nationally.