The Liberal Government is committed to improving health outcomes for children and families in Tasmania.
Today I was delighted to launch Building Healthy Smiles, an educational resource for health and education professionals engaged with children aged from birth to five years, at the wayraparatte Child and Family Centre in Geeveston.
The Building Healthy Smiles flip-chart was developed in partnership with the Child Health Association of Tasmania, Oral Health Services Tasmania, and the wayraparattee Child and Family Centre, with a funding grant provided by Calvary Health Care Community Council.
Many mothers attending the wayraparatte Child and Family Centre provided input to the development of the Building Healthy Smiles flip chart.
Early childhood decay is one of the most common childhood diseases and is one of the few chronic diseases that is mostly preventable, if preventive messages are implanted in the minds of young children and their parents.
It can be a devastating disease in the birth to five years age group and often results in hospital admission, pain, poor nutrition and problems with face and jaw development.
There is also an association between oral diseases and conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
An integrated, partnership approach is needed to reduce the risk of poor oral health and promote oral health for our children.
The collaborative effort involved in developing Building Healthy Smiles has resulted in a practical asset that has the potential to positively impact the health of many young Tasmanians.