(Clockwise, from left) Intereach Family Day Care’s Henry McLean, Elky McLean, Henry Eade and Bobby Maher enjoy a Smiles 4 Miles rainbow morning tea. Photos: Supplied
Early childhood services in the Campaspe Shire celebrated 20 years of Smiles 4 Miles as part of Dental Health Week.
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Smiles 4 Miles, an initiative of Dental Health Services Victoria, is implemented locally by Echuca Regional Health.
The program recognises early childhood services for implementing healthy eating and oral health policies, engaging with families about the importance of oral health.
Children are educated through various fun learning experiences based on the Smiles 4 Miles key messages: ‘Drink well, eat well and clean well’.
ERH oral therapist Janene McCague with Henry Eade.
ERH population health manager Danielle Paterson has been involved with Smiles 4 Miles for 14 years and is on the statewide reference group.
“I am delighted with the program’s longevity and growth over the past 20 years,” Ms Paterson said.
“We know that good oral health is essential to your overall health and wellbeing, and we also know that good habits are learned early in life.
‘’That is why we are encouraging good oral health habits with our youngest members of our community and their families.”
Campaspe Shire has 28 early childhood services, with 1430 children taking part in the program.
Dental screening, oral education and fluoride application were introduced to the program to minimise and reduce the risk of dental decay.
Last year, ERH’s dental clinic screened more than 690 children and completed 43 outreach visits.
Henry Eade, Bobby Maher, Henry McLean and Elky McLean were told about the Smiles 4 Miles ‘Eat Well’ message.
The theme for last week’s Dental Health Week was gum health, encouraging people to think about how they can care for their gums as well as their teeth.
The theme was timely and important, with 75 per cent of Australians admitting to rarely or never flossing.
Echuca Journey Early Learning and Intereach Shell’s Family Day Care hosted a rainbow morning tea during the week promoting one of the Smiles 4 Miles key messages, ‘Eat well’.
“We are teaching our 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,” Shell’s Family Day Care’s Michelle Oellerman said.
“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 our children about brushing our teeth twice a day and the importance of regular dental visits so we can keep our smile for life.
“Sometimes life gets very busy, but Dental Health Week is a good reminder that good oral health is essential to your overall health and wellbeing, and that good habits need to start early in life.”
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