Hearing of a pub donating 1,000 toothbrushes to local children has seen a city MP slam the 'dental misery' that many are suffering under the current government.

Norwich South MP Clive Lewis bemoaned the lack of NHS spaces in dental practices after hearing about the work of NR2 pub the Garden House.

Norwich Evening News: The pub has become well known for helping those in need since they begun donating to families during lockdown The pub has become well known for helping those in need since they begun donating to families during lockdown (Image: Newsquest)

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The pub has become well-known for its work within the community and recently held a meal to welcome Ukrainian families that have settled in the area after the outbreak of war with Russia.

Landlord Jonathon Childs said: “When we helped the council with two big family feeds the council officers said about toothbrushes. 

“I could not believe people did not have toothbrushes, so we did the usual  
Garden House thing: a charity quiz night, a raffle and we got 1,000 toothbrushes.”  

Norwich Evening News: Jonathon Childs and his wife are keen to make the pub a real community hub Jonathon Childs and his wife are keen to make the pub a real community hub (Image: Newsquest)

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Norfolk has been described as a 'dental desert', with one NHS dentist for every 2,600 people living in the region.

And recently the British Dental Association has called for major government intervention, stating: "NHS dentistry needs a rescue plan."

After hearing of the donation from the Garden House, Mr Lewis said: "At Prime Minister's Questions, recently, I told Rishi Sunak about local people living with the painful consequences of a local dental healthcare crisis made in Downing Street.  

Norwich Evening News: The pub plans on donating toothpaste next The pub plans on donating toothpaste next (Image: Jonathon Childs)

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“I've tried so many times to get the government and its gatekeepers like NHS England to step in and put us out of this dental misery.  

“Still, they either won't face up to the reality of what's happening or make jam-tomorrow promises that never come to pass. 

Norwich Evening News: Clive Lewis has been trying to speak to the government about the dental desert seen in Norwich Clive Lewis has been trying to speak to the government about the dental desert seen in Norwich (Image: Archant)

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“I'm a parent, and it's especially heartbreaking to hear stories about children suffering too.  

“Ultimately, this is about so much more than just dentists. 

“From public health through support for parents to plunging real wages and benefits, what we're seeing here is the fallout of years of attacks on our systems of social support." 

Norwich Evening News: The Garden House pub donated more than 1000 toothbrushes The Garden House pub donated more than 1000 toothbrushes (Image: Jonathon Childs)