‘Tis the season for healthy smiles and gentle giants at Werribee Zoo
Media release
Children visiting Werribee Open Range Zoo on Tuesday 25 November can enjoy free oral health checks and oral health themed activities at Hippo Beach.
Just like the zoo’s majestic elephants, we all need to eat well, drink well and clean well – especially during the holidays.
Oral Health Victoria (OHV) has partnered with local community health service IPC Health and Zoos Victoria inviting families visiting the zoo to take part in the day’s activities, designed to promote the benefits of good oral health.
Little ones can have an oral health check with experienced oral health professionals on hand to answer any questions parents may have about their children’s oral health.
Families are also invited to join an interactive toothbrushing demonstrations and a range of exciting activity stations.
Across Australia, a quarter of children have decay in their primary (baby teeth) and in Victoria dental conditions are the highest cause of preventable hospitalisations for children under 10.
Oral disease is one of the most common and expensive diseases to treat, but it is also largely preventable.
OHV CEO Susan McKee said the festive season is a wonderful time to share with family and friends, but that it’s also an important time of year to maintain good oral health.
Quotes attributable to Oral Health Victoria Chief Executive Officer, Susan McKee
“Taking care of your oral health during the festive season doesn’t mean sacrificing the fun and excitement the holidays bring. It’s important to find balance and to eat well, drink well and clean well for better oral health.”
“Our proud partnership with Zoos Victoria helps us reach even more Victorian children and families and ensure they get the advice and care they need to be set up for good oral health for life.”
Quotes attributable to Werribee Open Range Zoo Elephant Trail Life Science Manager, Erin Gardiner
“Closely monitoring the oral health of Werribee Open Range Zoo’s herd of nine Asian Elephants – including three calves – is incredibly important. Just like humans going to the dentist, the elephants have their teeth examined regularly as part of their proactive healthcare routine,” Ms Gardiner said.
“Each elephant has learned to voluntarily open their mouths on cue during training sessions, allowing keepers and vets to get a close-up look and ensure their teeth, tusks and tushes are growing well. The elephants are always rewarded with a tasty treat for participating.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas
“Oral Health Victoria is saving families time and money and teaching kids good oral health habits early on in life.”
“Today’s zoo visit is a great example of how to make dental care both accessible and fun - if you’re visiting the area on the 25th, swing by for a check-up!
OHV’s top tips for enjoying the delights of the festive season while avoiding damage to teeth:
- Eat well
Enjoy the festive fare but come back to enjoying a wide range of nutritious foods which support your oral health and overall health once the season is done. If you indulge in some sugary foods, eat them with a meal to help reduce the impact on teeth and take care when biting into foods like hard sweets or nuts to avoid any unplanned dental visits.
- Drink well
Staying hydrated is essential for your overall health, and it's especially important for your teeth during the festive season. Drinking tap water helps wash away food and the fluoride in most of Victoria's tap water helps repair everyday damage to teeth as well as protecting them against decay.
- Clean well
To keep your smile merry and bright make sure to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste – once after breakfast and once before bed. This simple routine can make your teeth and gums stronger and healthier.
- Stay well
Don't forget to have regular dental check-ups to keep your smile sparkling all year long.
Media contact:
Emma Warren | emma.warren@dhsv.org.au | 0403 545 610
Oral Health Victoria is the lead oral health agency in Victoria. We provide oral health services through the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne, Smile Squad and over 45 community dental agencies across the state. We also run statewide prevention and population health programs, invest in oral health research, advise the government on health policy and support the education of oral health professionals.
