More than 6,000 children aged 3–5 in Gloucestershire — across 113 primary schools and nurseries — are now engaged in daily toothbrushing sessions through the Big Brush Club. The program, a collaboration between NHS Gloucestershire, local authorities, and provider At Home Dental, supports the goal of brushing once or ideally twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.

The Big Brush Club was established in July 2024 and provides supervised toothbrushing classes for children aged 3 to 5 throughout Gloucestershire. More than 6,000 students from 113 elementary schools and childcare facilities are participating.

Among children aged 5 to 9, tooth decay is the most common reason for hospitalization, and decayed teeth often require treatment. According to recent research, 1 in 5 five-year-olds in England suffer dental decay, with rates increasing to 1 in 3 in underprivileged communities. In the South West, tooth decay affects nearly 20% of children aged 5 and frequently leads to hospitalization for avoidable tooth extractions. 

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The goal of early brushing is to address disparities in oral health, enhance learning and well-being, and lessen pain, infections, missed school days, and parental absences from work. 

With the help of an £11 million government investment, the program will begin to expand to schools and nurseries in the most underprivileged areas in April 2025. In order to promote brushing at home and at school with fluoride toothpaste, teachers oversee brief brushing sessions in the classroom. Technique, self-care, good diet, and cutting back on sugar are all covered in the sessions. NHS Gloucestershire and At Home Dental provide instructor training. 

Over the course of five years, Colgate-Palmolive has committed to donating more than 23 million toothbrushes and toothpaste. Resources and training will be provided to schools so they can oversee the daily toothbrushing sessions. Colgate also provides outreach and instructional resources.

The Big Brush Club in Gloucestershire is a proactive public health measure aimed at instilling lifelong toothbrushing habits in early childhood. With strong institutional support, its structured approach and early health benefits (both dental and educational) make it a promising model. Continued expansion across more schools could further reduce decay rates, school absences, and long-term NHS costs.

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