In conjunction with the Oral Health Foundation, London Masons are supporting the start of National Smile Month across London with a donation of specially designed children’s toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste to Whittington Hospital. 

London has one of the highest levels of tooth decay in young children in particular with many 3 to 5-year olds having to attend hospital to have rotten teeth removed under general anaesthetic.

Professor Nigel Hunt OBE, Royal College of Surgeons stated “Child tooth decay is a major public health issue, and effects around a quarter of five-year olds across the country. Ensuring that Children brush their teeth regularly, and attend dental check-ups are essential steps in tackling a problem that is 90% preventable”

Sir Michael Snyder, Metropolitan Grand Master, commented: “Following the success of last year’s donation of 40,000, I am delighted that London Freemasons will be supporting The Oral Health Foundation’s ‘National Smile Month Campaign’ by distributing another 40,000 children’s toothbrushes each with a tube of toothpaste to hospitals and Emergency Departments across all of London’s boroughs. Child tooth decay is a major public health issue in the capital, and London Freemasons are delighted to assist in this battle to improve the health of London’s children.”

Claire Robertson, Consultant in Dental Public Health, London, added, ‘I hope that this welcome initiative from London Freemasons will help support children form good dental habits from a young age and help prevent tooth decay in children”

David Neale from London Freemasons, said “I was delighted to meet the enthusiastic members of the NHS dental team. London Masons are delighted to be able to help in this vital child health issue. This is just one of the recent London Freemasons Charity grants to support a wide range of London based charities. This donation follows on from a £1,250,000 donation, of a £2.5 million funding pledge from London Freemasons to London Fire Brigade. The funding will provide London Fire Brigade with two extended height aerial vehicles.”