Sue McKee: Building healthy habits for better oral health
Dental Health Services Victoria's Chief Executive Officer, Sue McKee, discusses the importance of good nutrition on oral and overall health.
South Australia’s decision to ban junk food ads on public transport is a big step in the right direction.
When an audit found that nearly 80% of food and drink advertisements on South Australian buses promote junk food, it reinforced what many of us already knew: unhealthy food marketing is everywhere, and children are some of the most vulnerable targets.
Good nutrition is directly linked to better oral health. The foods we eat from a young age shape our habits for life. Sugary drinks and ultra-processed snacks increase the risk of tooth decay, just as they contribute to chronic diseases.
That’s why at Dental Health Services Victoria, we are committed to helping children and families build healthy habits early. Through programs like Smile Squad, Smiles 4 Miles and Healthy Families, Healthy Smiles, we support families, educators and communities to eat well, drink well and clean well. We're also a proud supporter of the Food for Health Alliance 'Brands Off Our Kids' campaign.
Limiting the exposure of junk food advertising is a critical step forward, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. We need to keep championing policies and education programs that empower people—especially young people—to make informed choices about their health.
Watch Jane Martin’s 's interview on the impact of junk food advertising on children.
