Metro South Oral Health Service has developed a new and exciting oral health initiative - Healthy Mouth Day - to address the high levels of tooth decay in our young people.

Schools in the Metro South region are being invited to host a Healthy Mouth Day to increase awareness of the importance of oral health, and to support students with signs of decay with follow up care (if required).

Students who register to participate will receive:

• oral health screening
• individual oral health education, including plaque disclosing and a toothbrushing lesson
• application of fluoride varnish (5% sodium fluoride) to vulnerable teeth
• a ‘take home’ pack with a free toothbrush, toothpaste and printed advice on their oral health needs and how to access follow-up care. 

Both the plaque disclosing gel and the fluoride varnish are ‘state of the art’ prevention tools and proven safe and effective for children of all ages (even infants). Fluoride varnish can protect both ‘baby’ and ‘adult’ teeth by stopping cavities from forming and by slowing down cavities which may have started already. It is painted onto the teeth to form a protective coating and is recommended for children of all ages that are at risk for cavities. It is used widely around the world in both routine dental appointments and in stand-alone prevention programs such as Healthy Mouth Day. Application does not hurt, and is very quick. The varnish dries quickly and tastes a bit like banana or bubble gum.   

How to get involved

To host a Healthy Mouth Day, we require assistance with promoting the day, distributing and collecting consent forms, and access to a suitable room or area in which to screen attendees.

If your school is in the Metro South region and would like to host a Healthy Mouth Day, please email metrosouthoralhealth@health.qld.gov.au