New kit for pre-schoolers

p>A new tool to help combat Victorian pre-schooler's dental health was launched recently by the Minister for Health, Rob Knowles (pictured below).

According to Mr Knowles, 40% of all Victorian children entering prep school have experienced tooth decay.

Mr Knowles launched the Early Childhood Dental Health Resource Kit, at the Building Bridges conference of Victorian pre-school committees and teachers, and staff from childcare centres.

"To reduce the prevalence of dental caries in children, we not only require clinical treatment but an integrated approach to dental health promotion," Mr Knowles said.

"The kit contains seven resources, from posters to a manual for teachers and carers to use to encourage and reinforce oral hygiene.

"The booklet, A Toothbrushing Program in Early Childhood Centres is just one of the many strategies devised by the Child and Adolescent Health Promotion Unit of the Department of Human Services (DHS) Public Health Division."

Mr Knowles said the kit was aimed at reducing the incidence of dental caries in children from birth to six years.

"The kit has been developed by DHS and Colgate Oral Care in consultation with early childhood workers and dental professionals," Mr Knowles said.