‘Being able to clean our teeth is something most of us take for granted’ - Why two women will be cycling through East Yorkshire villages dressed as tooth fairies

A dental worker duo are planning a charity cycle in East Yorkshire, dressed as tooth fairies, to raise money to provide toothbrushes and toothpaste for children who live in areas of social deprivation.

Ingrid Perry, of Leven, will be joined by Carrie Regis, who lives in Leeds, on the Miles for Smiles bike ride to raise awareness, and funds, on Saturday, July 20. Ingrid, who leads on oral health prevention initiatives throughout the UK for mydentist and has worked with schools and communities to improve their oral health, said: “Many children living in areas of social deprivation do not have their own toothbrush.

“Whilst some children share a toothbrush with a family member, some don’t have a toothbrush at all. These children often suffer from high levels of tooth decay, which in many instances is preventable.

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“Providing toothbrushes and toothpaste for these children can help to protect their teeth and ensure toothbrushing becomes part of the kids’ daily routine.” Preventative oral health care is of great importance to Ingrid, who experienced poor oral health as a child, which led to her having to have six general anaesthetics throughout her childhood to remove decayed teeth.

This resulted in Ingrid becoming a target for bullies due to her speech being affected, and a difference in appearance due to her missing teeth, which had a profound impact on her self-esteem. Thankfully, this has changed as Ingrid has grown older, and her childhood experiences continue to motivate her to drive positive change for communities and children across the UK through her work at mydentist.

Carrie is oral health area champion at mydentist, working across five practices in the West Yorkshire area to deliver oral hygiene advice to adults and children with high dental needs. She said: “Having access to a toothbrush and toothpaste and being able to clean our teeth is something most of us take for granted, but for these children it means so much more. “Please help a child to smile by supporting our fundraising event and together, let’s make a difference.” Each oral health pack costs £1.40 and Ingrid and Carrie are aiming to raise at least £1,000, which would provide oral health packs to over 700 children.

Wearing fairy wings, tutus, and crowns, the pair intend to cycle from Leven, travelling through Burshill, Brandesburton, Catfoss, Seaton, Sigglesthorne, then returning to Leven via the A1035, on July 20. If the country roads they have earmarked are flooded by heavy rain, they intend using the cycle route from Leven to Beverley via the A1035, returning via the same route.

The duo are hoping the local communities they pass through will offer support and words of encouragement. Of their training efforts, Ingrid said: “I haven’t been on a bike for goodness knows how many years, so I’m building up my training slowly.

“I’m admittedly not the biggest exercise lover, so this will certainly be a challenge for me, but Carrie and I have been keeping each other motivated and frequently text each other to check on how we’re both getting on. While it will be a challenge, it’ll certainly be a laugh.”

Carrie added: “There is definitely a bit of healthy competition going on between Ingrid and I – we always have a giggle together, so I’ve got no doubt we’ll make it through the cycle with a smile on our faces, despite it being a challenge for us both."

Anyone who would like to donate to their cause can do so vis their JustGiving page.