Free toothbrushes for thousands of children as councils tackle growing oral health gap

Thousands of children in Liverpool will receive free toothbrushes and toothpaste as part of a drive to tackle tooth decay among young children.

The initiative comes amid growing concerns about the link between low incomes and poor dental health, with children from disadvantaged backgrounds significantly more likely to experience tooth decay than those from wealthier families.

Why are free toothbrushes being handed out?

Liverpool City Council is expanding its supervised toothbrushing programme in schools and nurseries, helping children establish healthy brushing habits from an early age.

The move is part of a wider effort to improve children's oral health and reduce health inequalities. While brushing your teeth may seem like a simple daily routine, for some families the cost of everyday essentials is becoming increasingly difficult to manage.

Research has shown that many low-income households are being forced to make difficult decisions about how they spend their money. When budgets are stretched, families often have to focus on keeping up with essential bills such as rent, energy and food costs. As a result, items like toiletries and hygiene products can become harder to prioritise, despite being vital for good health.

The link between poverty and tooth decay

Children growing up in more deprived areas are much more likely to suffer from tooth decay than those in wealthier communities.

Government figures show that around a third of five-year-olds in the most deprived parts of England have experienced tooth decay. This highlights a clear link between financial hardship and poorer oral health outcomes.

There are several reasons for this. Families on lower incomes may find it harder to afford oral hygiene products, while access to NHS dentists can be more limited in some deprived areas. Financial pressures can also affect food choices, with cheaper options often containing higher levels of sugar. At the same time, when households are struggling to make ends meet, preventative healthcare can understandably take a back seat to more immediate concerns.

The consequences can be serious. Tooth decay can cause pain, difficulty eating and sleeping, and can affect a child's confidence and ability to concentrate at school. It is also the leading cause of hospital admissions among children aged five to nine in England.

Why schemes like this matter

For many families, receiving free toothbrushes and toothpaste may seem like a small gesture. However, for households already coping with rising living costs, every saving can make a difference.

Although a toothbrush and toothpaste might only cost a few pounds, those costs soon add up when you're buying for multiple children. Providing these products free of charge helps ease some of the pressure on household budgets while ensuring children have access to the tools they need to maintain good oral health.

The programme also demonstrates the value of preventative support. Helping children develop healthy habits early can reduce the risk of more serious dental problems later on, benefiting both families and the NHS.

Help available if you're struggling

If you're finding it difficult to afford everyday essentials, it's worth checking what support may be available in your area.

Many local councils offer help through the Crisis Resilience Fund and other welfare schemes designed to support people facing financial hardship. Community organisations, charities and food banks may also be able to provide hygiene products and other household essentials to families in need.

It’s also worth making sure you’re receiving all the support you’re entitled to by using our free benefit checker. And speak to us if you’re regularly struggling to cover the cost of everyday essentials or you’re often having to go without. We can help you find the right solution to your money worries.