Gannawarra Shire and Northern District Community Health are encouraging community members to take a closer look at their oral health as part of Dental Health Week.

The week-long national campaign, running from August 6-12, is the Australian Dental Association’s major annual oral health promotion event. It aims to educate Australians about the importance of maintaining good oral health.

Northern District Community Health Chief Executive Officer Mandy Hutchinson said that this year’s theme of “Watch Your Mouth” provides a timely reminder that maintaining good oral health is integral to health and wellbeing outcomes throughout the lifespan.

“Looking after our teeth is such an important part of maintaining overall health and wellbeing with poor oral health causing disability, pain, eating and speech difficulties,” said Ms. Hutchinson. “Oral disease however is almost totally preventable by brushing teeth twice a day, eating healthy foods and consuming water as the drink of choice. Early intervention through regular dental check-ups is also important to prevent tooth decay in its early stages.”

The Australian Dental Association says that tempting though it is to think everyone is watching their mouth and practicing good oral health, the reality is that many Australians are not fully heeding these messages with the following statistics revealing the extent of the issue:

• 65% of Australians haven’t seen a dentist in the last two years.
• 50% of Australians are brushing their teeth only once-a-day.
• Nearly 40% never floss or clean between their teeth.
• 73% of young people (14-18 years) are consuming too much sugar.

Gannawarra Shire Council Director Community Wellbeing Stacy Williams said that Council and Northern District Community Health continue to focus on improving oral health outcomes across the Gannawarra Shire, particularly for young children and their families.

“As part of Dental Health Week, pre-schools at Kerang, Leitchville, Koondrook and Cohuna, as well as the Gannawarra Children’s Centre will be presented with their Dental Health Service’s Victoria Smiles4Miles awards,” said Mrs Williams.

“We are really proud that our early year’s services have made a significant contribution to promoting good oral health to our children and families over a number of years. The presentation of these state awards provides further recognition of this long-term commitment.”

For more information visit www.ada.org.au/Dental-Health-Week or phone Council on 5450 9333.


…ENDS…

Date: August 6, 2018
Contact: Communications Officer
Email: media@gannawarra.vic.gov.au
Phone: 0409 616 627 between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday.