PRIMARY school children in Winsford are taking part in a ‘Happy Smiles Toothbrush’ campaign.

Three times a year the children taking part in the scheme, aged between four and ten, which is organised by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s public health team, will be given a fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush.

Winsford Over and Verdin have been selected to take part in the scheme. Packs are distributed via primary schools and the aim is to promote positive dental health behaviour.

Fiona Reynolds, the council’s interim director of public health said: “Good dental health is very important and the aim of the campaign is to get children into the regular and necessary habit of brushing their teeth at least twice a day.”

The 2013 Children's Dental Health Survey for England, Wales and Northern Ireland found that nearly half of eight-year-olds and a third of five-year-olds have signs of decay in their milk teeth.

Carried out every 10 years, the survey is seen as a good barometer of children's dental health.

Nicole Meardon, cabinet member for children and families, said: “As a mother myself I am right behind the Happy Smiles campaign because good dental health is so important, especially at an early age.”

For further information about the tooth brushing pack please telephone the council’s Public Health team on 01244 972625.