Elite Sportsman Champions national Oral Health Day

MEDIA RELEASE
Elite Sportsman Champions national Oral Health Day
Friday 7 November 2014

Professional rugby league player Shaun Johnson is this year’s National Oral Health Day ambassador.

The New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) is pleased to announce a dedicated national day to celebrate oral health. The aim of this day is to raise awareness of the importance of oral health in New Zealand through education, advocacy and access to oral care.

The theme for 2014 National Oral Health Day is "Dental Fitness". The theme highlights the importance of being dentally fit to maintain physical fitness. We are extremely proud to have professional rugby league player Shaun Johnson as this year’s campaign ambassador.

As an elite sportsman Johnson understands the importance of being dentally fit to stay healthy and maintain the level of fitness required for a professional rugby player. “It is really easy to let our dental health slip. Most of us know to brush twice daily to keep our teeth clean. But there are other things like flossing and regular dental check-ups that are important too” says Johnson.

As a role model for thousands of young kiwis Johnson is particularly keen to get the dental fitness message across to them. “We cannot stay fit without having a good set of teeth. Neglecting our teeth will not help. Daily care, healthy diet and regular check-ups are important to keep them in perfect condition.

“Then of course, having a healthy smile adds so much to your appearance!” he says.

The New Zealand Dental Association is committed to promote oral health and reduce the impact of oral diseases on general health. Dr David Crum, chief executive officer of the NZDA says “As dentists we would rather prevent dental disease than try and repair the damage it causes. Most dental diseases are preventable but some kiwis still experience high levels of oral disease. This day is the perfect opportunity for us as dental professionals, to raise public awareness about prevention. Around two hundred dental practices from throughout New Zealand are taking part in this day to educate and create awareness about oral health”.

As part of the National Oral Health Day celebrations the NZDA is also running three exciting promotions on our consumer Facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/nzdahealthysmiles.

Dental fitness campaign key messages are;
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily
• Have a healthy diet
• Visit your dentist regularly
• Stop smoking

ENDS

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