Health
Good Oral Health
We support good oral health with our Pasifika Oral Health Programme 2017. This programme was aimed at educating families around good oral health practises such as; brushing regularly and swapping water for fizzy drinks. We also supported families who needed help getting to dental appointments or enrolling at clinics.
If you are family that needs support with oral health for your children or youth, please contact us.
Oral Health Information
Oral Health care for people under the age of 18 is free. The aim is to promote good oral health from an early age so that the benefits flow on into adulthood. Dental care for adults is not free except in certain circumstances.
For children from birth to the end of primary school dental care is delivered by the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board through the Dental Hubs. These are located in Nelson, Stoke, Richmond and Motueka.
For youth in secondary school, dental care is still free but you have to enrol with a dentist. The Nelson Marlborough District Health Board website has a list of dentists that you can enrol with.
Things you can do at home
There are two very simple habits you can adopt at home with your family, that will make a big difference.
Teach your children how to brush correctly and regularly. Twice a day for two minutes is the recommended rule, after breakfast and before bed. Use toothpaste with at good fluoride content (look for 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate or 1,000 parts per million fluoride on the box).
Cut back on the sugary drinks and foods. Swap sugary drinks such as soft drinks or energy drinks for water or milk. Swap lollies and biscuits for snacks with no added sugar.
For more information on Oral Health services available, check the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board for more information.
https://www.nmdhb.govt.nz/public-health-service/a-z-public-health-topics/oral-health/
