Staff and children at Pennar Flying Start have recently been awarded their gold award for three years commitment to the 'Designed to Smile' National Oral Health Improvement programme.

The programme is essentially a daily tooth brushing routine with the use of a fluoride toothpaste.

Staff receive training around the cross infection protocols and regular quality assurance checks are carried out.

Tara Gover, oral health promotion co-ordinator said: "Staff at Pennar Flying Start have worked hard to embed tooth brushing into their daily routine. It is important that parents recognise that the programme is designed to enhance what is already being done at home.

"This additional use of fluoride toothpaste and learning to brush teeth at a young age has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of developing tooth decay.

"Designed to Smile has already seen evidence of reduced dental caries.

"It is a pleasure to award Jean and her staff at Pennar Flying Start with this award, they deliver 'Designed to Smile' and the All Wales Healthy Pre-School Scheme to a high standard," she added.