Dental Health Week (DHW) is the Australian Dental Association’s major annual oral health campaign.
This year’s DHW campaign (4-10 August), focuses on the importance of children’s oral health milestones, educating parents and caregivers about what they need to do to help their kids “reach every S-milestone", taking them on a journey from birth through their initial teeth ... and beyond.
As always, the core messaging of the campaign will reinforce these key elements of good oral healthcare:
- Brushing twice per day using a fluoride toothpaste.
- Cleaning in between teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes.
- Eating a nutritious diet, low in sugar.
- Seeing your dentist regularly.
Resources
Coming soon.
Children Factsheets
Children's oral health factsheets can be downloaded and printed for free.
See the full range of factsheets and translated factsheets (available in English, Arabic, Vietnamese, Chinese Traditional, Greek and Punjabi).
Watch Your Mouth podcast
Listen to and share our latest podcast episodes on children’s oral health released as part of Dental Health Week. These short episodes focus on children’s first dental visit and maintaining a healthy mouth.
Listen to our podcasts:
8 Episodes Available
First dental visits & tooth decay
Paediatric Dietician advice on food & drink for infants and children
Sugar and tooth decay
Risks of sugary drinks
Brushing & flossing for infants and young children
Oral health and pregnancy
Tooth development & teething signs and symptoms
Does sucking thumbs or pacifiers affect teeth?
Volunteers
For Dentists:
- Apply for the Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Futures Competition: COMING SOON.
- Volunteer to complete an educational talk during Dental Health Week: COMING SOON.
For Educators:
- Request a dentist to complete an educational talk at your organisation during Dental Health Week: COMING SOON.
Resources for educators
Are you an educator or teacher looking to discuss dental health during Dental Health Week? Below are resources that are free to download and use.
The ADA created the Guardians of the Gums story book and lessons together with SugarByHalf and Cool Australia. These lessons are for early childhood to grade 3 and are aligned with the national curriculum. These are free to access through Cool Australia.
The story is free to access as an e-book in the full version and shorted 'early learning version,' while the hardcopy can be purchased. Access these below.
Keep your smile for life
Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit added sugar intake.
Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and preventive care.
Media enquiries
If you are interested in putting together a story for Dental Health Week, the Australian Dental Association has a number of spokespeople, and information on a range of oral health topics, infographics and ADA research data.
To contact the ADA's Media Advisor Jenny Barlass, fill out the below form, call 0497 748 331, or email ADA Media at media@ada.org.au.
Proud supporters
The Australian Dental Association extends its appreciation to its Colgate-Palmolive for their invaluable commitment and support.
All articles are thoroughly researched and reference high-quality studies and information to support the subject matter.
Our experts continually monitor the oral health space. As research and recommendations change or we get reader feedback, we update the information in our articles.