Supervised toothbrushing in schools would be introduced by Labour if they win power in bid to improve oral healthcare

SUPERVISED toothbrushing in schools across England would be introduced by Labour if they won power to improve oral healthcare.

Tooth decay in children would be tackled with a scheme to help three to five year olds from bad brushing habits.

But the move has been quickly criticised by headteachers.

The party say funding for the £111 million scheme would come from abolishing the non-dom tax status.

It would also pay for an extra 700,000 urgent dentist appointments.

Incentives would also be given to medics to set up in “dentist deserts” where there is a lack of services.

It’s the first major policy ahead of the party’s annual conference in Liverpool starting this weekend.

Sir Keir Starmer said: “People are finding it impossible to get an NHS dentist when they need one, with appalling consequences. Horror stories of DIY dentistry are too frequent.”

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of The National Association of Head, said: “It is not the role of teachers to be making sure children brush their teeth each day.”

But Health Minister Neil O’Brien, said: “Labour’s sums do not add up. They are taking people for fools. 

“Keir Starmer’s shadow health secretary admitted their policy will not raise enough to carry out Labour’s NHS plans.

“Labour will always take the easy way out with more borrowing and spending.”