Warwickshire’s Young Library Advocates took center stage at Rugby Library for a lively “Wonder of Teeth” event, entertaining over 85 children and adults while also promoting oral health.
Organized by members of the Warwickshire County Library Youth Advisory Board, the event transformed the library into a hub for learning and family fun, highlighting the importance of good oral hygiene.
Recent data from England shows that 22.4% of five-year-olds have visible tooth decay, with children in deprived areas at nearly three times the risk compared to children in less deprived areas. Tooth decay is also the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged 5-9, with 19,381 cases recorded in the 2023/24 school year.
Fifteen-year-old Phoebe Thomas proposed the topic of oral care and led the planning of the event, even securing free toothpaste samples from local businesses to share with parents.
“As a member of the Youth Advisory Board, I was delighted to help with this event,” said Phoebe. “I brought up oral health because I’m passionate about it—and I want a career in dentistry. Teaching kids how to take care of their teeth feels like a real way to make a difference.”
The day featured hands-on labs and creative activities, including an “eggshell experiment” demonstrating the effects of sugary drinks on tooth enamel, a giant tooth model for brushing practice, and interactive storytelling sessions.
Youth Committee member Rafi Khan dressed up as a dentist to entertain guests. “I loved dressing up as a dentist and sharing stories with the kids—it was a fun way to make oral care engaging,” he said.
Parents praised the friendly and informative approach of the event. One attendee noted, “It’s a great way to teach kids about oral health—and it’s really fun!”
After the event, Phoebe was invited to visit local schools to speak with younger students, continuing her youth-led mission to promote brighter smiles across Warwickshire.
Mike Bannister, Warwickshire County Council’s Councillor for Customer and Local Affairs, praised the young organizers. “These young people are truly inspiring.
They’ve demonstrated that when you give young leaders the tools and trust they need to make a real difference in their communities. This event not only promotes health but also showcases the creativity and leadership of the next generation of people in Warwickshire.”
The “Oral Care” event is part of Warwickshire Libraries’ broader initiative to empower young people through learning and creativity, improve well-being, and foster community cohesion.
