Acacia Children’s Centre in Richmond received a Smiles 4 Miles award in May, recognising their work to improve the oral health of some of our youngest community members.
Smiles 4 Miles is an oral health promotion program for preschool-aged children developed by Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) and implemented in partnership with North Richmond Community Health throughout the City of Yarra.
Services achieve the Smiles 4 Miles award by implementing healthy eating and oral health policies, engaging with families about the importance of oral health, and educating children through a variety of fun learning experiences based on the Smiles 4 Miles key messages – Drink well, Eat well and Clean well.
Thao, Director of Acacia Children’s Centre, says the program is a great way to help children have healthy teeth and gums for life.
“Good habits are formed early. Children take lessons they learn at a young age with them, right up to adulthood. By promoting good oral health behaviours early in life, we can decrease the likelihood of poor oral health later in life,” Thao said. Remember the three steps to healthy teeth and gums!
- Drink well – drink tap water or plain milk and avoid sugary drinks like cordials, juices, and soft drinks.
- Eat well – eat a variety of nutritious foods each day and limit sugary foods, particularly between meals.
- Clean well – brush teeth twice daily, adults should help children until at least the age of 7.
For more information on the Smiles 4 Miles program, click here.
