Number of children's settings across Cheshire and Merseyside delivering supervised toothbrushing continues to grow

There are now 254 early years, childminder, and primary school settings taking part in the All Together Smiling supervised toothbrushing programme, supporting over 11,500 children to brush their teeth every day.

This means 46% of all eligible settings are now on board and the programme is within touching distance of reaching over 50% participation, which evidence shows will begin to support a reduction in rates of tooth decay for children across the region.

To help All Together Smiling reach this milestone, the programme has launched a new insight‑led campaign shaped by feedback from settings, parents, and programme partners. The campaign highlights the difference supervised toothbrushing makes to children’s oral health, confidence, and daily routines, and aims to encourage more eligible settings to come on board.

Alongside the campaign, a roadshow of engagement events for eligible settings, those located within the 20% most deprived communities across Cheshire and Merseyside, is planned during the Spring term. These events will offer an opportunity to learn more about the programme, hear from settings already taking part, see what supervised toothbrushing looks like in practice, and ask questions directly to the programme team and partner organisations. Eligible non‑participating settings are encouraged to attend, hear directly from peers already taking part, and see the benefits of the programme. Further information is available by contacting the programme using the email below.

This quarter, the programme is also sharing two case studies from local participating settings, offering practical insights into how supervised toothbrushing has been introduced, and benefits seen for the children and families: 

• General Day Nursery, St Helens
• Kensington Life Bank Nursery, Liverpool

A short video is also available, showcasing photos of the programme in action alongside quotes from local families and staff within participating settings.

All Together Smiling is an evidence‑based supervised toothbrushing programme offered to eligible settings within the 20% most deprived communities across Cheshire and Merseyside. By joining, settings play a vital role in improving children’s oral health and helping reduce inequalities across our region.

For more information, to access the new campaign materials, or to check if your setting is eligible to take part, contact the programme at alltogethersmiling@alderhey.nhs.uk.