Oral Health Promotion

Public Health aims to increase knowledge about oral health, encourage good oral health practices, increase  uptake of free Child & Adolescent Oral Health Services, and create an environment that supports children and whānau to maintain good oral health.

 

Having a good diet, brushing your teeth, and having regular dental care help to keep your mouth healthy so you can keep smiling.

 

Tooth decay starts when bacteria react with sugar to produce an acid that dissolves the minerals in teeth. Over time this causes painful cavities (holes). A low-sugar diet and good oral  health care can help prevent cavities.

 

Public Health offers:
• Collaboration with health and education providers and other community organisations to improve the oral health of our people
• Information, training, and resources for teachers, health workers and others
• Support for schools in becoming water-only

 

Contact: 06 350 9110

 

• MidCentral Dental Health Services - free for children from 0 to 17 years of age. Phone (06) 350 8619 or 0800 825 583 to find your nearest dental clinic
• Ministry of Health - information about teeth and gums
• Water-only school Toolkit - resource for schools that are considering becoming water-and-plain-milk-only
• Healthy Smiles - The New Zealand Dental Association website