Oral Health

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Oral health is a vital part of overall well-being, affecting not just teeth and gums but also general health, confidence, and quality of life. Poor oral health can lead to pain, infections, and other serious health issues, while good oral hygiene and regular dental care help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and related conditions.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in oral health—limiting sugary foods and drinks, along with maintaining good brushing and flossing habits, supports strong, healthy teeth. By promoting positive oral health practices in homes, schools, and communities, we can help people maintain healthy smiles for life.

DPV Health is committed to preventing oral health issues through education and early intervention. We support healthy habits from a young age through the Smiles 4 Miles program in City of Whittlesea and Hume City council areas. The program provides education on oral hygiene and nutrition in early childhood settings.

DPV Health’s dental service provides access to preventative and treatment services for individuals and families in our community.

Key Messages 0 – 3 years

Drink Well

Breast milk is the ideal food for babies. Infant formula is the only suitable and safe alternative to breastmilk.
Don’t put baby to bed with a bottle.
At around 6 months, help baby learn to drink from a cup.
For babies under 12 months, tap water should be boiled and cooled.
Choose tap water or plain milk for your toddler (over 12 months).

Eat well

At around 6 months, introduce solids.
By 12 months, children can eat a variety of healthy foods just like the rest of the family.
Limit foods with added sugars and choose healthy snacks such as fruit and vegetables.

Clean well

Even before teeth appear, you can wipe baby’s gums using a damp, clean face washer.
As soon as the first tooth appears, continue cleaning teeth and gums using a damp face washer or a small soft-headed toothbrush.
From 18 months old, brush your toddler’s teeth with a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
Have your toddler’s teeth checked by 2 years of age by a dental professional, maternal and child health nurse or doctor.

Key Messages 3 – 5 years

Drink Well

Tap water is the best drink for healthy teeth.
Plain milk is also a healthy choice and can protect against tooth decay.
Children don’t need fruit juice or other sugary drinks – limit these, particularly in between meals.

Eat well

For healthy teeth, encourage your child to eat a wide variety of healthy foods every day.
Limit processed foods containing added sugars.
Choose healthy snacks such as fresh fruit and vegetables, plain yogurt and cheese.

Clean well

For healthy teeth, encourage your child to eat a wide variety of healthy foods every day.
Limit processed foods containing added sugars.
Choose healthy snacks such as fresh fruit and vegetables, plain yogurt and cheese.
Help your child to brush their teeth and gums twice a day – in the morning and at night before bed.
Use a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride children’s toothpaste and a small soft-headed toothbrush.
Don’t wait for a problem. Your child should have regular dental check ups as advised by their dental professional.