Smiles 4 Miles, an initiative of Dental Health Services Victoria, aims to improve the oral health of preschool aged children in Victoria through promotion of healthy eating and oral health practices.
The three key messages of the Smiles 4 Miles program are ‘eat well, drink well, clean well’.
- Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods every day from the five food groups.
- Limit foods containing added sugars.
- Healthy meals and snacks are important for healthy teeth.
- Tap water is the preferred drink.
- Limit sugary drinks (especially between meals).
- Choose plain milk over flavoured.
- Brush teeth and along the gum line twice a day.
- Children should use a low-fluoride children’s toothpaste from 18 months until they turn six.
- Don’t wait for a problem. A child should see a health professional (maternal and child health nurse, dentist, oral health therapist, dental therapist or general practitioner) by the age of two for an oral health check.
- An oral health professional will discuss a child’s risk level and how frequently they need to visit for an oral health check.
Eat a Rainbow of Fruit and Vegetables
During National Nutrition Week, our health promotion team delivered an ‘eat well’ program in conjunction with the participating Smiles 4 Miles early childhood centres. You can read about the ‘Eat a Rainbow of Fruit and Vegetables’ program here.
If you are a kindergarten, early childhood or long daycare centre and are interested in the program, contact us to find out more.
Learn more
Call 9744 4455
Email admin@scchc.org.au
