Smiles 4 Miles 4 Families
Your child’s baby teeth are important as they help them to eat, develop speech patterns and will guide the eruption and position of their permanent (adult) teeth.
There are many kindergartens and day care services across Victoria participating in the Smiles 4 Miles program. Smiles 4 Miles encourages learning about good oral health from an early age to prevent problems as an adult.
Staff will be promoting the following key messages:
Tap water is the preferred drink
Limit sugary drinks (especially between meals)
Choose plain milk over flavoured
Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods every day from the five food groups
Limit foods containing added sugars
Healthy meals and snacks are important for healthy teeth
Brush teeth and along the gum line twice a day
Children should use a low-fluoride children's toothpaste from 18 months until they turn six
Don't wait for a problem. A child should see a health professional (Maternal and Child Health Nurse, Dentist, Oral Health Therapist, Dental Therapist or General Practitioner) by the age of two for an oral health check
An oral health professional will discuss a child's risk level and how frequently they need to visit for an oral health check
View more information on these oral health messages
If your child’s kindergarten or day care service is participating in Smiles 4 Miles, you will receive information and support throughout the year, as well as suggested activities for you to do at home with your child. Keep an eye out for updates in the newsletter and on noticeboards.
Children learn from watching and listening to adults around them, so healthy role modelling at home reinforces the key Smiles 4 Miles messages above and helps children develop lifelong healthy habit.
Thank you for your support in promoting better oral health among our children!
Find your nearest public dental clinic
Eligibility for public dental services