Time to combat cavities

04 February 2008

Time to combat cavities

Colgate, Plunket and the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) are working together to combat cavities and to raise awareness of good oral health practices in our families and communities.

Every Colgate Oral Care product bought in February will result in a donation to Plunket's oral health programme which aims to educate New Zealand families about good oral health habits.

"We believe good oral health habits start when you're young, and are proud to support this campaign to raise awareness about good oral care practices," says Dr Rebecca Schipper Colgate's Scientific Affairs Manager.

"Colgate is committed to improving the teeth and gums of all New Zealanders. We want to ensure that our country's children have the best start that healthy teeth and gums can give them and go on to enjoy a brighter smile later in life."

Our oral healthcare needs change as we age. And it's important we take special care with children's teeth and gums. Although most of us know the basic practices of good oral care, many parents won't have complete knowledge of their family's specific healthcare needs at different ages.

Colgate, Plunket and the New Zealand Dental Association are promoting positive tips for good oral healthcare including:

* brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, especially after breakfast and before bedtime;

* change your brush every 3 months;

* teach your kids the importance of brushing and make it a fun family routine;

* use a gentle, circular motion at the gum line (don't scrub!);

* get into an everyday oral care habit to maintain good health;

* children aged five and over can floss every day - parents can help their kids with this until they are able to do it by themselves;

* adults should use a rinse when they can't brush (or as advised by their dentist);

* it is important to keep in mind that the risk of tooth decay and gum problems can change at different times in you and your family's lives for many reasons; therefore,

* visit your dental professional regularly; and,
* eat healthy foods and avoid sugar

"By providing parents with up to date information and techniques, they are well prepared to help their children develop good oral health habits from a young age," says Erin Beatson, Clinical Advisor, Plunket.

"With good role modeling from their parents and an understanding of why it is important and how to maintain good oral health, children are more likely to continue looking after their teeth into adult life.

"It's not good enough that nearly half of all children have developed dental cavities by the time they turn five. It's up to us parents to stop that dental decay from happening," says David Crum NZDA's chief executive officer.

Keep an eye out for more information, promotions and tips for keeping your family's teeth in top condition from Colgate, Plunket and the New Zealand Dental Association

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About the initiative
The campaign is an oral heath initiative developed through the partnership of Colgate, the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society and the New Zealand Dental Association. It aims to promote and educate parents and families around the benefits of establishing good oral health habits from an early age. It takes place during February 2008.

About Colgate
Colgate-Palmolive New Zealand is the wholly owned subsidiary of the New York Stock Exchange-listed Colgate-Palmolive Company. It is a leading global consumer products company specialising in oral health care, personal care, household and fabric care and pet nutrition. Colgate-Palmolive's products are sold in more than 200 countries and include internationally recognised brands such as Colgate, Palmolive, Ajax, Cold Power, and Fab.

About the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society
The Royal New Zealand Plunket Society (Plunket) this year celebrates its centenary year. Plunket is New Zealand's largest provider of services to support the health and development of children under five and is dedicated to working with parents and communities to ensure that New Zealand children get the best start in life. Plunket's services help families nationwide, through 600 branches, mobile clinics and a free phone service, PlunketLine. For more information go to www.plunket.org.nz

About New Zealand Dental Association
The New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) is an incorporated society, providing voluntary membership to dentists. The NZDA was founded in 1905 and membership comprises over 2100 dentists, representing approximately 95 percent of practicing dentists.
The mission statement of the organisation is that 'The New Zealand Dental Association exists to promote dental and allied sciences, the oral health of the public, and the interests of the dental profession'.
Issued for Colgate, The Royal New Zealand Plunket Society and the New Zealand Dental Association by Pead PR

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