Promoting dental health, clean eating and access to services, via a well-known footballer and dental practitioners were on the agenda for Ashmont Public School students.
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According to research findings from the Royal Flying Doctor Service 2015, oral health outcomes for regional and remote children were at increased risk of dental decay in their teeth compared with those in major cities.
Dental decay was found to be 55 per cent more likely for remote area children than children in major cities, and the number of filled teeth were more than double at 117 per cent for remote area children than children of major cities.
The report suggested the disparities in oral health outcomes between children in cities and regional Australia were due to the differences in access and availability to dental care services.
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CSU lecturer in oral health, Libby Warlow said Ashmont Public School students come out once every fortnight to the clinic for a dental check-up.
“We work out at the university and run a dental clinic with all the students and as far as Wagga is concerned, we do get a lot of the lower SES schools who come out to the clinic on school buses for our clinic’s free dental services to those under 18 years old,” she said.
The partnership between South Sydney Football Club and their sponsor Colgate has collaborated with health programs at schools, and on Monday they visited Temora Public School, while fitting Willans Hill, Sturt Public and Ashmont Public Schools on Tuesday.
Ashmont students and dedicated Rabbitohs supporters, Caleb Thomsen, 10, and Tylah Barby, 9, said they have learnt two new things about oral health.
“We’ve learnt that we should drink six cups of water a day,” said Caleb.
“And, that it should be tap water because it’s got fluoride inside to build stronger teeth,” Tylah said.
Both the boys enjoyed watching the videos, but Tylah said he was “so glad” to have Roy Asotasi visit the school.
Former South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL player, Roy Asotasi said he was hoping today would not only get the important message of healthy eating, but also the impacts this has on their oral health.
“We’re here to make kids more aware about the importance of nutrition and staying hydrated, eating well and brushing their teeth twice daily,” Mr Asotasi said.
“The most important thing is educating the kids first and then passing this important message onto their parents.”
