DHSV is keeping children’s teeth healthy this Dental Health Week
DHSV kicked off Dental Health Week by launching the fantastic new Keeping Teeth Healthy resource to help families fight tooth decay.
Dental Health Services Victoria is kicking off Dental Health Week (1-7 August) by launching the Keeping Teeth Healthy resource to help families combat tooth decay in young children.
The new resource provides families with children aged 0 to 5 years old with useful tips and practical advice to care for their children’s gums and teeth. It also guides parents on how to establish good oral health habits with children as they become more independent. The resource is a useful tool for health professionals and early childhood professionals to use when promoting oral health.
DHSV Chief Executive Officer, Sue McKee, highlighted the importance of helping children to develop good oral health practices early in life.
“Early childhood is when many lifelong habits are established,” Sue said.
“This fantastic new resource supports families by sharing simple concepts in line with our key ‘Drink well, Eat well, Clean well’ messaging. It gives families with young children the opportunity to establish good oral health habits to keep their teeth healthy for life,” said Sue.
The Keeping Teeth Healthy resource is available in a practical PDF format, with one side featuring information for the 0-3 age group and the reverse side aimed at the 3–5-year-old age group. A social media toolkit is available for early childhood services and health professionals.
With more than one third of Australian children experiencing tooth decay by the time they start school, Keeping Teeth Healthy is a valuable resource to support families to embed good oral health habits and care for their children’s gums and teeth.
“Tooth decay is the highest cause of preventable hospitalisations for children. Children’s first teeth are at greater risk of tooth decay and need daily care from the beginning to help prevent problems associated with tooth decay,” said Sue.
“Establishing a routine of brushing twice daily, along with eating a healthy diet, drinking tap water and getting regular checkups – is the best way to protect their teeth,” said Sue.
Access DHSV’s Keeping Teeth Healthy resource.
