By Kyra Gillespie
Casey Childcare and Kinder had a visit from Beaconsfield Dental staff as part of Dental Health Week 2018.
Dr Robert Panjkov B.D.Sc Melbourne, founder of Beaconsfield Dental, attended with one of his assistants to talk about dental health.
“We heard about the hygiene procedure the dentist’s go through before they check our teeth, and we were able to tell them they wear a mask to stop spreading germs,” Deb Porter from Casey Childcare and Kinder said.
“Dr Robert then explained to the children how the dentist will count teeth when we visit, and when you are little you should have 20 baby teeth.
“The dental dragon sprayed us with some water which was very exciting, and then we learnt the correct way to brush our teeth.”
Dental Health Week, which takes place this year from 6 to 12 August, is the Australian Dental Association’s major annual oral health promotion event.
Its aim is to educate Australians about the importance of maintaining good oral health by promoting these key messages: brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, clean in between teeth at least once a day with floss or an interdental brush, eat a healthy and balanced diet and regularly visit the dentist for check-ups and preventive treatment.
“Dr Robert brought out some instruments the dentist will use at a check up, such as special mirror so they can check how many teeth we have, and to check for cavities.
“They then held up posters, and the children were able to answer which foods were unhealthy and healthy for our teeth.
“At the end of the talk from Beaconsfield Dental, each child received a list to tick off when they have brushed their teeth to take home.”
65 per cent of Australians haven’t seen a dentist in the last two years and 50 per cent of Australians brushing their teeth only once a day.
“Our annual visit from Dr Rob adds to our embedded dental program. Our children also have yearly visits from Monash Dental health services, daily brush their teeth, and learn about healthy food choices through discussion and our menu is assessed as part of our participation in the national Achievement program.”
