Healthy Mouths in Hertfordshire

Dental decay is the most common oral disease affecting children and young people in UK. Although largely preventable, nearly one quarter of under 5s in England have tooth decay and estimated costs to the NHS for under 5’s is approximately £7.8 million annually for hospital admissions and tooth extractions.

In Hertfordshire, our Healthy Mouths programme is focused on improving the oral health of vulnerable under 5’s through distribution of an oral pack to encourage tooth brushing and healthy eating.  An age-appropriate toothbrush, toothpaste, 2-minute timer and information leaflet, provide vital support for vulnerable families to help maintain good oral health for their children.

Healthy Mouths is a partnership with the Hertfordshire Family Centre Service (Family Centres and Health Visiting) through mandated development checks, key Family Centre networks and distribution through participating foodbanks.

Since the start of the programme in 2021, we have successfully distributed over 9000 oral health packs to vulnerable Hertfordshire families.

If families you know are struggling with their child’s oral health, they can contact their local family centre for advice  Find your local family centre in Hertfordshire (hertsfamilycentres.org)