It’s National Dental Health Week, and one local clinic is reminding the Goulburn Valley community that good oral health is about more than just brushing — it’s about connection, prevention and taking pride in our smiles.

This year’s campaign centres on helping children reach every “Smilestone” — from their very first tooth to a confident adult smile.

For Goulburn Valley Dental Group, this national message fits closely with its everyday mission: to support families across the region with accessible, personalised and preventative dental care.

“Healthy gums are essential because they support your teeth, prevent tooth loss and protect against serious health issues like heart disease and diabetes,” Goulburn Valley Dental Group principal dentist Dr Sath Saranathan said.

“Taking proactive measures — such as brushing twice daily, flossing, eating a balanced diet and visiting the dentist regularly — helps maintain strong teeth and healthy gums, preventing dental issues before they start.”

Children are at the heart of this year’s Dental Health Week campaign, and Goulburn Valley Dental Group is passionate about educating families about starting good oral health routines early.

“Looking after their teeth is important for kids because it helps them develop strong, healthy smiles, prevents cavities and pain, and builds lifelong habits that support their overall health and confidence as they grow,” Dr Saranathan said.

“Good oral care also makes eating, speaking and learning easier — setting them up for success now and into adulthood.”

The ADA’s Guardians of the Gums storybook, created in collaboration with SugarByHalf and Cool Australia, is one of many tools helping make oral health fun and accessible for children.

It’s available online for free via teeth.org.au, along with curriculum-linked activities for early learners through to Year 3.

At Goulburn Valley Dental Group, prevention is always the priority.

That’s why the practice strongly encourages regular dental check-ups — an essential part of protecting not just your smile, but your overall wellbeing.

“Regular dental check-ups play a crucial role in maintaining not only a healthy smile but also your overall health,” Dr Saranathan said.

“They allow dentists to detect early signs of tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health concerns before they become more serious and costly to treat.

“These visits also provide an opportunity for professional cleaning, personalised advice and monitoring of any changes in your oral health.”

For families across the wider Goulburn Valley, Goulburn Valley Dental Group offers a welcoming, professional space where community connection meets quality care.

“By keeping up with regular check-ups, you’re taking an important step towards long-term dental wellness and preventing avoidable complications,” Dr Saranathan said.

As Dental Health Week encourages Australians to take control of their oral health, Goulburn Valley Dental hopes to inspire local families to start healthy habits — and keep them going for life.

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Monday, 12th June 2023

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