Smiles 4 Miles – Ballarat & Golden Plains

The Smiles 4 Miles Program is an oral health program aimed at improving the oral health of preschool aged children attending early childhood education and care services in Victoria.

We know that every child is at risk of developing tooth decay. The good news is that tooth decay is largely preventable. However 1 in 3 children aged five and under who attended the Victoria public dental clinics in 2012-11 experienced tooth decay. Establishing sound oral health and healthy eating habits from an early age gives children the best chance of maintaining good oral health in adulthood.

The Smiles 4 Miles Program is an initiative of Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) and is delivered by Ballarat Community Health to early childhood education and care services across the City of Ballarat and Golden Plains Shire.

The 2-year Smiles 4 Miles Award based program improves the oral health of children and their families in high-risk areas by encouraging early childhood settings to embed oral health promotion strategies within their services through the use of 3 key messages.

• Tap water is the preferred drink
• Limit sugary drinks (especially between meals)
• Choose plain milk over flavoured

• Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods every day from the five food groups
• Limit foods containing added sugars
• Healthy meals and snacks are important for healthy teeth

• Brush teeth and along the gum line twice a day
• Children should use a low-fluoride children’s toothpaste from 18 months until they turn six
• Don’t wait for a problem. A child should see a health professional (Maternal and Child Health Nurse, Dentist, Oral Health Therapist, Dental Therapist or General Practitioner) by the age of two for an oral health check
• An oral health professional will discuss a child’s risk level and how frequently they need to visit for an oral health check.

Public Dental Clinics

There is no cost for children aged 0-12 years at the following Public Dental Services

Grampians Health Ballarat Dental Clinic | Sebastopol
Corner Hertford Street and Tuppen Drive, Sebastopol
Phone: 5320 4225

Grampians Health Ballarat Dental Clinic | Wendouree
Corner Verbena Grove and Hazel Road, Wendouree
Phone: 5320 4225

Central Highlands Rural Health | Creswick
1 Hill Street, Creswick
Phone: 5345 9150

Central Highlands Rural Health | Daylesford
13 Hospital Street, Daylesford
Phone: 5321 6550

A healthy eating & oral health policy helps:

• promote healthy food & drinks in the service
• discourage discretionary food & drinks
• ensure celebrations, fundraising & events promote healthy food options
• educate children about healthy eating & oral health
• provide information to families
• support educators to access professional development & resources.