The Oral Health Foundation (OHF) and the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) have teamed up with GSK to provide more than 100,000 tubes of Sensodyne toothpaste to the vulnerable and those in need in Greater Manchester.
Facilitated by Manchester-based charity Community 4X4, the effort will distribute the toothpaste to the homeless, residents of care homes, people who use foodbanks, and those who don’t have easy access to dental products or who may have limited financial resources.
“Greater Manchester has some of the highest levels of tooth decay in the country, and this is one of the many initiatives being undertaken to address this. Twice-daily toothbrushing is extremely important to maintain oral health and prevent tooth decay,” said Emma Hall-Scullin, consultant of dental public health for Public Health England North West.
OHF president Dr. Ben Atkins hopes the donation will go far in boosting the oral health of those in Manchester who otherwise might be struggling during this difficult time.
“It’s vital that oral health is maintained, not just for health of the mouth but also for mental health as well. We hope this donation of Sensodyne toothpaste will allow those that receive them to get all the benefits that come with healthy teeth and gums and put a smile on their face,” said Atkins.
“On behalf of the BSDHT, I’d like to thank GSK for their generous donation. These toothpaste samples will make a huge difference to those in need and reinforce the fact that these items are a necessity, not just a luxury for those more fortunate,” said BDSHT president Diane Rochford.
GSK is pleased to help support the communities of Greater Manchester with its donation in a year where there have been significant limits on dental services, the company said.
OHF also would like to thank Singletons Transport, which offered its services for free to help deliver the toothpaste.
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