News Feature                   For Immediate Release

April 5, 2004

April is Oral Health Month.  Time to brush up on a good habit!

Currently, fewer than 50% of 11-year-old Canadian children meet the recommended time and frequency dental experts recommend for brushing teeth.   Just how serious can it be to pass on this simple habit?  Ignoring our teeth by not brushing and flossing can lead to cavities and gum disease, which have been linked to other health conditions such as heart disease and stroke, diabetes, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

April is Oral Health Month and Public Health dental staff are promoting better brushing habits with the “2 for 2” campaign.  “We want people of all ages to know that 2 for 2 is what you do! Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time and you’ll keep your pearly whites in great shape,” says Rose Bross-Allenson, Dental Educator.    She adds, "There is definite value in promoting tooth brushing to children.  Children who practise self-care activities, like tooth brushing, are also more likely to adopt other healthy lifestyle behaviour as adults."

Public Health dental staff will be visiting Grade 2 classes in various schools to share the "2 for 2" message with a fun tooth brushing lesson.

"Parents play an important role in making dental care part of their child's everyday routine," says Bross-Allenson. "Children often model their parent’s behaviour and we can set a positive example in our homes by eating healthy meals and snacks, brushing and flossing, and making regular visits to the dentist.”

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Attachments:  

·        Schedule of school visits (photo op)

·        “2 for 2” colouring sheet (1.45 Mb)

For more information:

Rose Bross-Allenson

Dental Educator, Dental Program

Public Health Grey Bruce

369-3318 Ext. 223

www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca

Schedule of School Visits for 2 for 2 Campaign

(The lessons are approximately 30 minutes long)