Albury Wodonga Health's Dental Service is encouraging Border residents to think about how much sugar is hiding in their trolleys.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
With Dental Health Week scheduled to run from August 3 to 9, this year's focus is about raising awareness of the harm sugar has on oral health.
Smiles 4 Miles coordinator and Albury Wodonga Health's oral health educator Sinead McArdle said the key message is to, "eat well, drink well and clean well."
IN OTHER NEWS:
"It's about getting people to get a bit more sugar savvy and encourage them to read food labels and check for hidden sugars," Miss McArdle said.
"There's heaps of different names for sugar so it can often be hidden in foods."
The Smiles 4 Miles program works with 17 early childhood services and over 900 children across the region.
"We know that good habits are formed early in life and that's why we're so keen to promote and share the importance of oral health with the youngest members of our community and their families," Miss McArdle said.
"There's nothing more rewarding than seeing children become actively involved in and excited about their own oral and overall health.
"That's why we are teaching our Smiles 4 Miles children and their families the importance of limiting sugary foods and drinks in our diet by encouraging discussion of 'sometimes and everyday foods' in the centre.
"This shows that sugary items, such as chocolate, lollies and soft drinks are only had in moderation, not consumed every day, and we do this to protect our teeth, gums and overall health."
