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Related websites

Best Health
The Ministry has funded free access to this British Medical Journal website for people browsing the web from New Zealand. Search the database for the specific oral health topics you’re interested in.

Healthy Smiles
User-friendly advice on oral health from the New Zealand Dental Association.

Kidshealth
Developed by the Starship Foundation and the Paediatric Society of New Zealand.

Age Concern NZ
An organisation working to promote the rights, quality of life and well-being of older people around New Zealand.

Better Health Channel
How to look after your teeth (Victorian State Government). [Note that some of this information is targeted at Australian citizens.]

Teeth and gums

Healthy teeth will last a lifetime.

  1. A good diet is important to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Make sure you and your whānau know what foods, snacks and drinks are healthy.
     
  2. It’s also important to brush your teeth in the morning and before going to bed. Use a fluoride toothpaste to help build strong teeth and floss regularly (daily is best).
     
  3. Visit your dentist or dental therapist regularly. They have special equipment and techniques for cleaning your teeth, and it’s cheaper to get problems fixed early.

Let’s Talk Teeth

 Find out more from the Ministry

Access information related to the Ministry's work in oral health:

  • Oral health – Information on child and teenage dental care; dental care guidance for caregivers of older people; and oral health resources.
  • Oral health data and stats – Statistical publications and data sets on oral health.
  • Fluoridation – What is fluoride, where does it come from, why water fluoridation is a safe, effective and affordable way to prevent and reduce tooth decay across the whole population.

Downloads

In this section

  • It’s easy to protect your family’s smile
    There’s a free oral health service in your community. Family members aged between 0 and 17 years can get dental checks and treatment for no cost when they’re signed up for the Community Oral Health Service. Read more
  • Keep your smile looking good – easy as
    Having a healthy mouth is important for overall health and wellbeing. On these pages, you will find the facts and simple tips on how to take care of your teeth, and keep them – for life. Read more
  • Oral health first aid
    Sometimes accidents involving your teeth can happen. Find first-aid tips for knocked-out, broken, chipped or displaced teeth, and what to do about other mouth injuries. Read more
  • Fluoride
    Fluoride helps protect our teeth by making them stronger and reducing tooth decay. Access resources that tell you more about fluoride and water fluoridation. Read more

Downloads

Resources

Keeping Your Teeth for a Lifetime cover thumbnail.
Keeping Your Teeth for a Lifetime ... Easy As
Available from the Healthy Smiles website.

Keep Your Smile Looking Good ... Easy As cover thumbnail.
Keep Your Smile Looking Good ... Easy As wallet cards (PDF, 216 KB)
Available in bulk on request – contact the New Zealand Dental Association (09 579 8001).

Tips for a Healthy Smile thumbnail.
Tips for a Healthy Smile
A Ministry of Health publication

It's Easy to Protect Your Family's Smile - cover image.
It’s Easy to Protect Your Family’s Smile
Available on HealthEd in multiple languages

caring for teeth cover
Caring for Teeth
Available on HealthEd

Related areas

Page last updated: 09 May 2013