Protecting Tiny Teeth in Dental Health Week 2014

The Australian Dental Association (NSW Branch) (ADA NSW) is proud to launch a new digital media resource "Protecting Tiny Teeth" for parents and carers to educate them about prevention of early childhood caries (tooth decay) in babies, toddlers and infants.

Protecting Tiny Teeth is an initiative of ADA NSW with support from the Centre for Oral Health Strategy in the NSW Ministry of Health.

"This short fifteen minute video can be used in a wide variety of settings, including ante‐natal and post‐natal classes, early childhood centres, community centres and dental clinics" said Dr Deb Cockrell, President of ADA NSW.

"We use real life scenarios to explain how babies, toddlers and infants develop 'early childhood caries' (tooth decay)."

"Narrated by renowned science personality 'Dr Karl' Kruszelnicki, and using 3D animation, the audience learn why it's important to introduce good eating habits from a very early age, how and why tooth decay occurs as well as how fluoride works to fight tooth decay and repair damage to tiny teeth" said Dr Cockrell.

"We are also very excited to have this resource freely available for all members of the public to view online at www.protectingtinyteeth.com.au."

The core messages for parents and carers in Protecting Tiny Teeth are:

Babies

• Don't settle your baby with, or put your baby to sleep with, a bottle.

Infants and toddlers

• Only eat 5 times a day (breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner);
• Don't snack between meals;
• Only drink water between meals; and
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

Protecting Tiny Teeth is being launched to coincide with Dental Health Week 2014, which starts on 4th August.

"This year Dental Health Week focuses on babies and toddlers' oral health, with a particular focus on how the 'Sugar Bandit' hides in Australian households" said Dr Cockrell.

The ADA has a website dedicated to DHW 2014 for babies and toddlers which has a range of resources for parents, relatives, teachers, child care providers as well as health professionals and health promoters (www.dentalhealthweek.com.au).