So often we hear about the importance of good nutrition in regard to obesity, and the implications it has for diabetes, good physical health and fitness, but the implications for oral health are often overlooked. Putting the ‘mouth back into the body’ is just one strategic step towards the integration of oral health with general health. The mouth is fundamental to overall health and wellbeing, including implication for everyday living such as the ability to eat well, speak and socialise without embarrassment. Poor oral health can lead to pain and discomfort and the resulting ill-health and poor self-esteem issues. It is almost entirely preventable.

This workshop is designed to further develop the experience of participatory exploration of nutritional alternatives trialed at Croc Festival, in partnership with the Wanya Oral Health Centre (Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative), and on the work of the statewide community responsive Smiles 4 Miles oral health promotion program. The focus will be on the provision of appropriate healthy alternatives and positive role-modelling of life-time nutritional habits, from an oral health perspective. Often people are told what is not good for them. Let’s actively investigate some of the positive alternatives, and methods of engaging people and communities in making those positive selections.

The workshop will focus on:

• the importance of teeth and oral health
• healthy alternatives that support the key oral health messages of Eat Well and Drink Well
• engaging children, parents, health professionals and the wider community in supporting and role modelling these messages.


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