Dr Isimeli Tukana has urged parents to have their children get regular dentals checkups to ensure oral health and wellness in their lifetime.

The national advisor for Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) noted that there were parents/guardians who took children to the dentist only when it was necessary.

“Parents only take their children to dentists when their children have toothache,” he said.

Dr Tukana said it was vital to have these checkups to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

He made these comments during the launch of Colgate-Palmolive (Fiji) Limited 2016 Bright Smiles and Bright Future (BSBF) school programme at Ratu Sukuna Park in Suva yesterday.

The programme was first launched in 1996 and has since expanded to other Pacific island nations.

“I wish to acknowledge Colgate Palmolive (Fiji) Limited for introducing this programme.

“Education is power and if we educate our children as soon as possible, they will be able to make correct decisions and keep their teeth healthy,” he said.

The programme team, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, conducted oral health education presentations.

It also included appearances from Colgate’s tooth defenders, Dr Rabbit and Dr Brushwell with fun-filled activities.

Colgate-Palmolive professional relations and community programmes co-ordinator, Dr Naina Kau said they were targeting 100,000 children in Fiji this year.

Last year, a total of 786 kindergartens, primary and secondary schools throughout the country were reached.

Of this, 174,388 children were educated on the importance of good oral hygiene and hand washing.

Colgate-Palmolive will set aside 20 cents from every Colgate product bought this month towards the Bright Smiles Bright Futures programme. Edited by Filipe Naigulevu

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