9 January 2012
Regular teeth cleaning is one routine that children should keep up during the school holidays, the NT's Principal Dentist Chris Handbury urged today.Reminding kids and their families that dental decay "doesn't go on holidays", Dr Handbury said that to reduce the risk of dental decay, the key oral health messages should be followed year-round.
"These key messages are commonsense ones but they can be easily overlooked when kids are in holiday mode and enjoying a less structured lifestyle than during school terms," he added.
"Unfortunately it doesn't take long for tooth decay to set in, and when it does we need to play catch-up, often with dental treatment, to put things right again."
Dr Handbury said children should get in the habit of brushing their teeth and gums after each meal, including lunch.
"This is actually easier in the holidays, as kids can usually access a bathroom and toothbrush and paste, which at school is more difficult.
"I cannot over emphasise the advantages of eating good food, the less processed the better, as this benefits the whole body, not just our teeth. It's also important to drink plenty of water, which is much healthier - and cheaper - than sweetened fizzy drinks.
"Exercise, whether organised sport or energetic play, is also good for our health and wellbeing, helping to establish an active routine that will be beneficial throughout our lives."
Dr Handbury said public dental clinics will be open during the school holidays, although not on the main public holidays, and people should phone for an appointment. The dental clinics can be contacted at -
Alice Springs 8951 6713,
Darwin Dental Clinic - 8922 6466
Gove Dental Clinic (after 16/1/12) 8987 0425
Katherine Dental Clinic 8973 8577
Palmerston Dental Clinic 8999 3314
Tennant Creek 8962 2438
Media Contacts:
Robin Osborne 899 92886 or 0488 692 781
Bridget Wild 899 92818 or 0401 116 203
