Traumatised young patients will be “filling” a lot better after a donation of 2,000 toothbrushes to a hospital.

Youngsters rushed to St George’s Hospital with no time to pack will now be able to brush twice a day thanks to the London Freemasons.

Jose James, senior Sister at St George’s, said: “Children arrive via ambulance and helicopter after terrible trauma and critical illness and had not planned at the start of their day to end up in St George’s.

“A simple thing, a normal thing like being able to maintain some personal hygiene, can make a huge impact on their health and well-being. So for this generous donation we all thank you.”

London has one of the highest levels of tooth decay in young children in particular, with many three to five-year-olds having to attend hospital to have rotten teeth removed under general anaesthetic.

Professor Nigel Hunt, from the Royal College of Surgeons, said: “Child tooth decay is a major public health issue, and effects around a quarter of five-year-olds across the country.

“Ensuring that children brush their teeth regularly, and attend dental check-ups are essential steps in tackling a problem that is 90 per cent preventable.”

Sir Michael Snyder, Metropolitan Grand Master, said: “Following the success of last year’s donation of 40,000, I am delighted that London Freemasons will be supporting The Oral Health Foundation’s ‘National Smile Month Campaign’ by distributing another 2,000 children’s toothbrushes, each with a tube of toothpaste.”