Our work leads to oral health programme for 1,800 local children
- Healthwatch Reading
- Dec 10, 2025
- 2 min read
Healthwatch Reading is delighted to see the launch of a new free supervised toothbrushing programme that will support 1,800 children across Reading and help tackle rising levels of tooth decay among young children.
Figures from an oral survey published in 2022 revealed that over a third of five-year-olds in Reading experience tooth decay, a rate significantly higher than the national average. 2.5% of two year olds in Reading have had one or more teeth extracted due to dental decay.
This is a concerning issue for families, early years settings and health services, and one that Healthwatch Reading has been raising locally for some time.
Our role and impact
In 2024, we listened to parents and carers about the challenges of keeping children’s teeth healthy in Reading. We published the CORE20PLUS5 report on children’s oral health, highlighting barriers such as poor access to NHS dentists, lack of preventive support, language barriers and accessibility issues. We also made recommendations, with Reading Borough Council introducing free supervised toothbrushing programme for 1,800 children.
From early 2026, the programme will be delivered in 44 nurseries, schools and children’s centres in the most deprived areas of Reading. It will support children aged 3–5, as well as children up to 10 years old in special needs schools.
The programme includes:
Free toothbrushes, toothpaste and brushing equipment
Daily supervised toothbrushing sessions lasting 5–10 minutes
Interactive learning using stories, puppets and tooth models
Training and support for staff delivered by Community Dental Services CIC (CDS)
Information sessions for parents on finding a dentist and supporting oral health at home
In line with Healthwatch Reading’s recommendations, the programme also provides:
Specialist support for children with additional needs
Sensory-friendly toothbrushes and toothpaste
Information translated into multiple languages and easy-read formats
Read more about the programme and press release from Reading Borough Council here: Reading Launches Free Toothbrushing Programme for 1,800 Children to Tackle Rising Rates of Tooth Decay | Reading Borough Council News
Read more about our 2024 project and read our report: Report out now: Reducing oral health inequalities for children in Reading
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