, almost one fifth of five-year-olds in the South West have tooth decay, despite it being largely preventable.

Tooth extraction is also the most common reason for children aged between six and 10 being admitted to hospital, according to the Office for Health Improvement & Disparities.

Reena Patel, a consultant in dental public health at NHS England, said: "The Big Brush Club is about supporting children and parents at an early stage to reduce sugar intake and create good habits at home that can last a lifetime."

Dr Reid said: "It's great to see how supportive schools in Cornwall are of this forward-thinking, early intervention work."

Supervised toothbrushing is recommended by the National Institute for Care Excellence (NICE), as an evidence-based intervention to reduce dental decay in children.