Making Healthy Mouths in Wellington

News release
Issued: 14 August 2007

Making Healthy Mouths in Wellington – Oral Health Month Update

August is Oral Health Month in New Zealand and for the fourth year Colgate and the New Zealand Dental Association are working to raise awareness of good oral healthcare in Kiwi families and helping to promote the importance of looking after your teeth amongst communities.

On Saturday 25th August Dental Therapy and Hygiene students from the Auckland University of Technology will be giving shoppers in the Meridian Shopping Centre free oral healthcare tips and helping to spread a healthy mouths message amongst the community.

“Making your mouth healthy and taking care of your teeth and gums is so important,” says Dr Rebecca Schipper, Colgate Scientific Affairs Manager.

“It is essential that people remember to brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, floss, wash with mouth rinse, replace their toothbrush regularly and limit the consumption of sugary or acidic foods.”

“It’s also good to avoid all tobacco products since they may greatly raise the risk of mouth cancer and gum disease”, says Dr Schipper.

Recent research suggests that New Zealanders have some way to go to make their mouths healthy. Last year the Ministry of Health revealed that 52% of under five year olds have had at least one cavity. [1]

The Colgate Oral Health Survey revealed that only 58 per cent of us 18 years and older clean our teeth at least twice a day. And only 40% of New Zealanders visit a dentist at least once a year. [2]

The public is welcome to come down to the stand from 10am-4pm and talk the Oral Health Month representatives about maintaining good oral health.

Throughout August, Colgate and the NZDA will be working to promote positive oral healthcare messages, for more information see your dental professional and keep an eye out for Oral Health Month material from Colgate.

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