More than 100,000 tubes of toothpaste donated to vulnerable communities

More than 100,000 tubes of toothpaste donated to vulnerable communitiesA six-figure donation of toothpaste tubes has been made to those in need in Greater Manchester.

The Oral Health Foundation and the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy joined forces with GSK to supply more than 100,000 tubes of Sensodyne toothpaste to the vulnerable.

Assisted by Manchester-based charity Community 4X4, the efforts will see toothpaste distributed across the area to a range of different groups.

This includes homeless people, care home residents, those who use food banks and those who struggle to access dental products, or have limited financial resources.

Necessity, not a luxury

Dr Ben Atkins, president of the Oral Health Foundation, hopes this donation will help those in greatest need at a time of unprecedented difficulties.

‘It’s vital that oral health is maintained, not just for health of the mouth but also for mental health as well,’ he said.

‘We hope that 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.’

And president of the BSDHT Diane Rochford added: ‘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.’

More than 100,000 tubes of toothpaste donated to vulnerable communities

Persistent pain

This comes as Dentaid opens up about how it helps the homeless community with their oral health.

Charity Groundswell revealed that 90% of homeless people had problems with their mouths. Additionally, 70% had lost teeth since living on the streets.

Researchers also found that 63% of homeless people felt self-conscious about their teeth. And 30% were living with persistent dental pain.


For more information about the Dental Helpline as well as the Oral Health Foundation’s wider activities head to www.dentalhealth.org.

Follow Dentistry.co.uk on Instagram to keep up with all the latest dental news and trends.

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