Get brushing to help make a disadvantaged child smile

Up to 60% of Australian children experience preventable tooth decay with disadvantaged children twice as likely to be affected. The good news however is that now Australians can actually do something to help these children whilst also decreasing their own risk of dental disease.

For over 10 years, Colgate has provided the Bright Smiles Bright Futures school-based program designed to help educate children about the importance of oral health. In a new initiative, Colgate is now working together with the Global Child Dental Health Taskforce (GCDHT), as well as Woolworths and The Smith Family, on a nationwide initiative aimed at improving the smiles and oral health of 100,000 disadvantaged children across Australia.

Members of the public can show their support for the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program and help reach their target by simply purchasing any selected* Colgate toothbrush or toothpaste from participating Woolworths stores between 11 February and 9 March, 2008. For each purchase Colgate will donate one toothbrush and one toothpaste kit to the GCDHT to be used as part of their oral health programs across the country, targeting those children most at risk of dental disease.

So by looking after your own family's health with good oral care regimes, you can now also help improve the oral health of children across Australia.

According to Dr Clive Wright, Chief Dental Officer at the Centre for Oral Health Strategy, NSW, although Australia has made major strides in improving the nation's oral health, there is still a lot of work to be done in many areas throughout Australia, particularly smaller communities.

"This is especially the case for children in isolated, rural areas and families battling with the rising cost of living," Dr Wright said. "Intensive preventive programs focusing on improving nutrition, the use of fluoride, brushing teeth and regular early dental care for people still at high risk of dental disease are imperative to further gains in oral health. To be successful, these programs require a partnership between families, government agencies, community organisations and industry."

Colgate is attempting to reach 100,000 children with its program and will work together with The Smith Family and Global Child Dental Heath Taskforce to ensure the toothbrush and toothpaste packs are delivered to those most in need. The distribution of these brushing kits will be through a number of programs, for example school-brushing programs where children brush their teeth every day at schools and learn about the importance and correct way to look after their teeth.

This latest initiative from Colgate is another demonstration of its ongoing commitment to helping improve oral health in Australia.

* Selected products include Colgate Total™ (Reg) 160g Toothpaste and Colgate 360 degree Manual Whole Mouth Clean Toothbrush.