1,500 children in Armed Forces families benefit from dental health push

More than 1,500 children in British military families overseas have benefited from a major dental health drive. Thousands of free toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste have been delivered to the youngsters from Armed Forces families serving in bases ranging from the Netherlands, Cyprus, Germany and the Falklands.

It is part of the Government's supervised toothbrushing programme aimed at improving oral health in children. Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said: "Military families make incredible sacrifices in service to our country, often living far from home in challenging circumstances - and this programme ensures their children are part of our dental health drive.

"This Government is helping to give children the best start in life by reinforcing good toothbrushing habits, vastly improving dental and oral health, no matter where their family's service takes them.

"By focusing on prevention rather than treatment, we're ensuring that we can help children maintain excellent oral health throughout their family's postings."

It follows an announcement earlier this year that the Government will roll out a mandatory training programme for NHS staff to improve healthcare support for veterans.

Louise Sandher-Jones, Minister for Veterans and People, said: "This Government is committed to renewing the contract with those who serve.

"Whether they live in Catterick or Cyprus, this scheme will ensure that children from forces families have access to vital healthcare they need, including preventative dental care."

The most common reason children aged five to nine being are admitted to hospital is to have treatment for decayed teeth.

Meanwhile, the latest data shows one in five children aged five have experienced tooth decay in England, with rates of up to one in three in more deprived areas.