A new initiative launching in nursery and primary schools in Hackney and the City of London hopes to cut rates of tooth decay in youngsters by a third.

The Healthy Teeth in Schools programme, developed by NHS North East London and the City, will promote optimum oral health for three to six year olds by educating parents, inspecting their children’s teeth and coating them with a fluoride varnish twice yearly.

Children with tooth decay will be directed to an NHS dentist.

Director of public health, Lesley Mountford, said: “I hope that thousands of children in City and Hackney benefit from this initiative and benefit not only from the initial fluoride treatment but also learn to care for their teeth properly for years to come.”