Over 70,000 free dental kits are being distributed to UK schools.
- The initiative targets over 1,600 schools in deprived areas.
- Dental kits include toothbrushes, toothpaste, and educational materials.
- Tooth decay is a leading cause of child hospital admissions in the UK.
- Asda and Colgate aim to promote long-term healthy dental habits.
Over 70,000 free dental kits are being rolled out to schools across the United Kingdom, in a partnership between Asda and Colgate. This initiative is specifically aimed at over 1,600 schools located in some of the most deprived areas, where children are at a greater risk of dental health issues.
The dental kits being distributed consist of essential items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and a brushing chart for children. Such tools are considered crucial in addressing the prevalent issue of tooth decay, which is currently the leading cause of hospital admissions for the age group of five to nine years in the UK.
Statistics have indicated that children from the most deprived communities are 3.5 times more likely to require tooth extractions compared to their peers in more affluent areas. In response, these kits are not merely about providing physical tools; they also include educational materials designed to assist families in establishing effective oral care routines at home.
Furthermore, participating schools will gain access to Colgate’s ‘Bright Smiles, Bright Futures’ school programme. This programme is carefully aligned with the national curriculum and aims to enrich students’ understanding of dental health and its importance, promoting lifelong healthy habits.
Hayley Tatum of Asda emphasised the uphill battle faced by children in deprived communities regarding basic dental care. In her statement, “By providing the tools and educational materials to over 1600 schools and 70,000 students, we hope to help children to establish healthy dental habits and behaviours that they can continue for the rest of their lives.”
This initiative by Asda and Colgate represents a significant step in addressing dental health disparities in the UK.
