Dental Health
Question
Rachael Maskell
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he is taking steps to ensure that all families have access to (a) a toothbrush and (b) toothpaste.
Answer
Neil O'BrienIn England local authorities are responsible for assessing oral health needs, developing oral health strategies, and commissioning oral health improvement programmes for children and adults in their local area. The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities has published ‘Improving oral health: an evidence-informed toolkit for local authorities’, which includes a recommendation for the targeted provision of toothbrushes and tooth paste to preschool and school aged children. The toolkit is available at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/improving-oral-health-an-evidence-informed-toolkit-for-local-authorities