Children, families and staff at early year services within the Lower Hume (Mitchell and Murrindindi Shires) are getting excited about this year’s theme: Keep your smile for life.
Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) supports the Australian Dental Association’s campaign, which runs from August 2 to 8.
This year’s theme aims to raise awareness across all ages of the importance of maintaining good oral health to keep a smile for life.
DHSV have also launched Aboriginal dental health ambassador’s and resources to help promote oral health to Aboriginal communities this year.
These include Wala the Platypus, Dirran the Kangaroo and Dhuna (pronounced thuna) the Koala who promote the Smiles 4 Miles key messages of drink well, clean well and eat well.
These characters were created by artist Madison Connors, a proud Yorta Yorta (Wolithica), Dja Dja Wurrung and Kamilaroi woman and mother to two. Wala is the Yorta Yorta word for water, Dirran is the Yorta Yorta word for teeth and Dhuna is the Yorta Yorta word for eat.
The Smiles 4 Miles program is an initiative of DHSV, implemented locally by Lower Hume Primary Care Partnership (PCP) which aims to improve the oral health of preschool aged children and their families by encouraging healthy eating, healthy drinking, good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
For more information on the Smiles 4 Miles program in Lower Hume and resources, visit lhpcp.org.au/smiles-4-miles
To mark Dental Health Week, the early childhood community in Lower Hume will learn about oral health by undertaking various learning activities and family engagement ideas within their services.
Lower Hume PCP’s Jaimie Poorter said 36 early year services across Lower Hume, reaching 1875 children and their families may take part in celebrating Dental Health Week.
“In this current climate, where there are so many things going on, this week is an important reminder to take care of our oral health no matter your age,” she said.
“That is why we are teaching children and their families the importance of limiting sugary foods and drinks in our diet, by having a ‘sometimes and everyday foods’ display in the centre.
“This shows that sugary items, such as chocolate, lollies and sugary drinks such as soft drinks are only had in moderation, not consumed every day.
“We also teach children about brushing their teeth twice a day and the importance of regular dental visits so we can keep our smile for life.”
This year Lower Hume PCP are also running a competition for Smiles 4 Miles registered services within Lower Hume.
For more information, visit facebook.com/lowerhumepcp
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