Gannawarra's children keep on smiling

Published on 15 October 2021

Pre-school aged children across the Gannawarra will continue to learn the benefits of oral health, with Gannawarra Shire Council’s kindergartens recently receiving Smiles 4 Miles program accreditation for the next two years.

Developed by Dental Health Services Victoria and implemented locally by Gannawarra Shire Council and Northern District Community Health, Smiles 4 Miles is an oral health promotion program for preschool aged children.

“The Cohuna, Koondrook and Leitchville pre-schools, as well as the Gannawarra Shire Children’s Centre, have supported the Smiles 4 Miles program and its message of good oral health for many years,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“The reaccrediation of the Smiles 4 Miles program is a result of the dedication of our children’s services staff who strive for the best outcomes of all children in our programs.”

As part of the program, Northern District Community Health staff work alongside pre-school educators to promote Smiles 4 Miles’ oral health messages:

• Drink Well – Choosing tap water or plain milk over other drinks, and avoiding sugary drinks like cordials, juices and soft drinks;
• Eat Well - Eating a variety of nutritious food daily and limiting sugary foods, particularly between meals; and
• Clean Well - Brushing teeth twice daily.

“Poor oral health causes significant health issues. We know that good habits are formed early in life and by encouraging good oral health behaviours in our young children and families we can decrease the likelihood of poor oral health and associated issues later in life,” Northern District Community Health Chief Executive Officer, Mandy Hutchinson said.

For more information regarding the Smiles 4 Miles program, visit www.dhsv.org.au/oral-health-programs/smiles4miles or call Northern District Community Health on (03) 5451 0200.