Children’s dental health educator awarded Queen’s honour

The most common reason for children’s hospital admissions is to get teeth removed. Over 8600 children need the operation under general anaesthetic every year, says Mrs Wallbridge.

The charity addresses the oral health crisis “at the top of the cliff” with education, as tooth decay is preventable, she says.

Mrs Wallbridge spends three days a week as a dental hygienist in Auckland, and two days a week in the community, visiting schools and community hubs to deliver fun and interactive presentations to children.

The stars of the educational programme are Detective Sugar Spotter and No Decay the Truth Fairy, characters played by members of the charity who have delivered healthy teeth messages to thousands of Auckland schoolchildren.

When their in-school performances slowed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mrs Wallbridge says the charity focused on writing children’s books and getting them out in the community.

Mrs Wallbridge herself wrote the second picture book, which was published last year, titled Detective Sugar Spotter saves No Decay the Truth Fairy.

She also assisted with the production of the charity’s first book, Detective Sugar Spotter – making healthy choices, which came out in 2018.

Mrs Wallbridge says the charity gifts a number of books to general practices and hospitals, for whānau to read in the waiting room.

Family Teeth Matters also gives sponsored books to low-income or vulnerable families. Doctors interested in gifting these books to patients who fit the criteria can get in touch by emailing cynthia@familyteethmatters.nz.

Mrs Wallbridge acknowledges many whānau face financial barriers to oral health but says everyone can benefit from education.

She was particularly horrified to hear many families cut costs by sharing a toothbrush, but says it’s important to recognise the reality of everyone’s financial situation.

“There are ways to promote dental health for our tamariki that don’t cost a lot of money,” she says.

Education is the biggest factor in oral hygiene habits; the first step is reminding parents children’s dental care is free, says Mrs Wallbridge.

She also encourages parents and children to “take a little time to choose healthy”, encouraging children to avoid sugar as much as possible, so their taste buds don’t adapt to it.

Healthy oral habits last a lifetime, so early prevention is best, she says.

“Young kids need to be directed into healthy preferences so they can grow healthy lifestyles.”

She also suggests keeping food and drinks as natural as possible; with the fluoride in tap water being good for teeth.

While the presentations are aimed at schoolchildren, Mrs Wallbridge encourages as many parents as possible to attend the presentations, as there are lessons for everyone.

She says most parents feel they already know how to care for their children’s teeth, but need reminding that modelling healthy habits themselves influences their children too.

“It’s so important to remind parents to look after their own dental health as these values and behaviours and habits are then transferred onto their children.”

She often reminds parents many are eligible for a dental-care subsidy from Work and Income, and there are payment options for a range of financial situations, for example paying off large bills over time.

Family Teeth Matters is hoping to expand the programme outside the Auckland borders this year; a plan which has been delayed by COVID-19.

Mrs Wallbridge says her colleagues from Tauranga and Dunedin are already offering to volunteer their time.

As the presentation is saved on her USB drive, it would be relatively simple to hand over to any enthusiastic nurse or dentist wanting to share it in their local area, she says.